Reclaimed: The Forgotten League

Episode 4: Crossing the Line
Release Date: October 16, 2023
Host: Vanessa Ivey Rose
Production: ABC News

Introduction and Historical Context

In Episode 4 of ABC News' acclaimed podcast series, Reclaimed: The Forgotten League, host Vanessa Ivey Rose delves deep into the tumultuous journey of Negro League baseball players striving for recognition and equality in America’s favorite pastime. The episode, titled "Crossing the Line," unpacks the systemic barriers that excluded Black athletes from Major League Baseball (MLB) and chronicles the relentless efforts to dismantle these racial barriers.

Efforts to Integrate Baseball

The narrative begins in 1939, with Vanessa recounting how Wendell Smith, a young and determined sportswriter for the Pittsburgh Courier, spearheaded a national campaign to desegregate baseball. Smith's series of articles, such as the headline “What Big Leaguers Think of Negro League Baseball Players” published in the Pittsburgh Courier, revealed an emerging support among many National League players and managers for integrating the sport.

Vanessa Ivey Rose [00:35]: "...the majority of the National League players and managers who were interviewed didn't have a problem with black people playing in the majors."

Smith's efforts, alongside those of other Black press members, amplified the voices of Negro League players, putting increased pressure on MLB to reconsider its exclusionary practices.

Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson

A pivotal figure in this movement was Branch Rickey, the General Manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Despite his conservative views and initial perceptions of the Negro Leagues as merely a profitable venture, Rickey recognized the opportunity to integrate baseball both morally and economically.

Branch Rickey [05:44]: "Fellow, and he was wrong about the."
Jackie Robinson [05:49]: "Black thing, but they were all wrong about it. And he was just doing what they wanted him to do about that."

Rickey's strategic maneuvering led to the creation of the United States League and the fictitious Brooklyn Brown Dodgers, a ploy to scout and integrate Black talent without arousing suspicion among other MLB owners. His most significant achievement was signing Jackie Robinson, a decorated athlete and World War II veteran, who became the first Black player to break MLB's color barrier in 1947.

Jackie Robinson [07:37]: "I felt that if the right man not to exploit a sociological problem, but if the right man and ability on the field and with control of himself off the field, if I could find that kind of a man, the American public would accept him."

The Challenges of Integration

Jackie Robinson's integration into MLB was met with severe resistance. Despite his exceptional performance on the field, Robinson endured relentless racist attacks from both players and fans. The psychological toll was immense, as he endured threats against his family and constant hostility.

Earl Smith [10:18]: "You have people spit on you and call your names and spit on your wife when she's sitting in the stand just watching the game, all that crap. Now we have fancy words for PTSD and anxiety, et cetera."

Initially, Robinson adhered to Rickey's advice to remain composed and avoid retaliation, showcasing immense mental strength. However, by his third season, Robinson felt empowered to speak out against blatant racism, transitioning from a compliant player to an outspoken civil rights advocate.

Branch Rickey [09:29]: "I don't think anybody could have done the job had it not been for Mr. Rickey. He was constantly advising and guiding and I had so much confidence in him."

The Decline of the Negro Leagues

As MLB began integrating, the Negro Leagues faced a rapid decline. Star players were poached by major league teams, leading to dwindling ticket sales and financial instability. By the mid-1950s, the Negro Leagues were collapsing, unable to sustain themselves without their marquee talents.

Shakia Taylor [12:16]: "It took until, I believe, 1959 for every team that was a part of the league at that time to integrate."
Shakia Taylor [15:19]: "Then all of a sudden they come along and say, well, we're going to start taking your star players like Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, Don Newcomb and those guys. And now all of a sudden, now the fans almost immediately started abandoning Negro league baseball and waiting to see Jackie Robinson and other players like that."

This integration inadvertently expedited the downfall of the Negro Leagues, stripping Black-owned teams of their talent and financial viability. Players left without contracts or adequate pensions, leading many to abandon baseball altogether or take on low-paying, labor-intensive jobs.

Vanessa Ivey Rose [23:22]: "And others, like Satchel Page, would join the major leagues when they were past their prime. He was in his 40s when he joined the Cleveland Indians in 1948 and became the first African American pitcher to pitch in the World Series."

Effa Manley and the Fight for Rights

Amidst the decline, Effa Manley emerged as a formidable force within the Negro Leagues. As co-owner of the Newark Eagles, Effa resisted the exploitation of Black players by major league teams. She ensured her players were compensated fairly and supported them in securing off-season employment.

Effa Manley [17:12]: "Now, when he took, you know, he took those three Negro ball players from our Negro baseball and didn't give us five cents or say, thank you, Bracky Robinson, Roy Tynronella and Don Newcomb."

Effa’s leadership not only protected her team but also paved the way for future negotiations and better treatment of Black athletes within professional baseball. Her relentless advocacy led to her induction as the first and only woman in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Personal Stories: Legacy of the Players

Vanessa Ivey Rose intertwines her personal narrative with the broader historical account, sharing the story of her grandfather, Tony Stearns, a Negro League player who quietly faded into obscurity after the league's collapse. Despite his prowess on the field, Stearns struggled to find recognition and financial stability post-baseball, reflecting the harsh realities faced by many Negro League players.

Jackie Robinson [26:09]: "For some reason, they said if you played up until 1947, if you played in just one game, you would get a pension. I played in 1948. 1948 was the year that the Negro League really ended."
Vanessa Ivey Rose [24:06]: "The part of this story that hits me the hardest are the players who were left behind, those with big dreams."

Stearns' life post-baseball, filled with labor-intensive jobs and limited recognition, underscores the loss of identity and the financial hardships endured by many former players.

Reclaiming the Legacy through Statistics

The episode highlights the crucial role of modern researchers, like Kevin Johnson of SeamHeads, in reviving the legacy of Negro League players. Through meticulous archival research, they are uncovering box scores, player statistics, and personal stories that were long neglected.

Kevin Johnson [29:21]: "We all do some research. Just some people do more of the grunt work in the box. So the process is to get a newspaper. Usually, newspaper is almost always the source."

Vanessa emphasizes the importance of statistics in immortalizing these players’ contributions, allowing stories like her grandfather’s to gain recognition beyond oral histories.

Vanessa Ivey Rose [33:14]: "Baseball loves stats, maybe more than any other American sport. It's the cornerstone of the leagues... But here's the tricky part."
Kevin Johnson [34:05]: "We found the ones that are easy to find, but it's those hard ones that somebody's got to go and find. And those will be, you know, we'll get pretty excited when we find some."

The discovery of detailed box scores not only quantifies the players' on-field achievements but also provides a foundation for their stories to be officially recognized and celebrated.

Conclusion

Reclaimed: The Forgotten League succinctly captures the intricate tapestry of race, sports, and society in mid-20th century America. By intertwining personal narratives with historical analysis, Vanessa Ivey Rose honors the legacy of the Negro Leagues and underscores the enduring importance of recognizing and preserving these pivotal chapters in baseball history.

Jackie Robinson [39:05]: "We got seven or eight ball players that should be in the hall of Fame that played in the Negro Leagues..."

This episode not only sheds light on the challenges faced by Black athletes but also celebrates the ongoing efforts to honor their contributions through research and storytelling.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Vanessa Ivey Rose [00:35]: "...the majority of the National League players and managers who were interviewed didn't have a problem with black people playing in the majors."
• Branch Rickey [05:44]: "Fellow, and he was wrong about the."
• Jackie Robinson [05:49]: "Black thing, but they were all wrong about it. And he was just doing what they wanted him to do about that."
• Jackie Robinson [07:37]: "I felt that if the right man not to exploit a sociological problem, but if the right man and ability on the field and with control of himself off the field, if I could find that kind of a man, the American public would accept him."
• Earl Smith [10:18]: "You have people spit on you and call your names and spit on your wife when she's sitting in the stand just watching the game, all that crap. Now we have fancy words for PTSD and anxiety, et cetera."
• Branch Rickey [09:29]: "I don't think anybody could have done the job had it not been for Mr. Rickey. He was constantly advising and guiding and I had so much confidence in him."
• Shakia Taylor [15:19]: "Then all of a sudden they come along and say, well, we're going to start taking your star players like Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, Don Newcomb and those guys. And now all of a sudden, now the fans almost immediately started abandoning Negro league baseball and waiting to see Jackie Robinson and other players like that."
• Effa Manley [17:12]: "Now, when he took, you know, he took those three Negro ball players from our Negro baseball and didn't give us five cents or say, thank you, Bracky Robinson, Roy Tynronella and Don Newcomb."
• Jackie Robinson [26:09]: "For some reason, they said if you played up until 1947, if you played in just one game, you would get a pension. I played in 1948. 1948 was the year that the Negro League really ended."
• Kevin Johnson [29:21]: "We all do some research. Just some people do more of the grunt work in the box. So the process is to get a newspaper. Usually, newspaper is almost always the source."
• Jackie Robinson [39:05]: "We got seven or eight ball players that should be in the hall of Fame that played in the Negro Leagues..."

Key Takeaways

• Desegregation Efforts: Pioneers like Wendell Smith and Branch Rickey played crucial roles in challenging baseball's racial barriers.
• Jackie Robinson's Legacy: Robinson's bravery and excellence not only broke the color barrier but also ignited broader civil rights movements.
• Negro Leagues' Decline: Integration, while a monumental step forward, inadvertently led to the dissolution of the Negro Leagues, impacting Black communities economically and culturally.
• Effa Manley's Advocacy: As a female team owner, Effa Manley exemplified resilience and fought tirelessly for the rights of Black players.
• Reclaiming History: Modern researchers are vital in resurrecting the rich history and achievements of Negro League players through meticulous data collection and storytelling.

Reclaimed: The Forgotten League serves as a poignant reminder of the intersection between sports and social justice, honoring those who paved the way for equality both on and off the field.