A Pastime of Their Own: The Story of Negro League Baseball

Overview

Witness the triumphant story of Black baseball—a reflection of segregation and integration in American history. This course provides an in-depth exploration of the rich history of Negro League Baseball and the significant cultural impact it had.

Course Details

Led by Professor Louis Moore from Grand Valley State University, this course is a journey into the world of Black baseball, from its origins in the 19th century to its role in the fight against segregation. Over 12 lectures, you will discover:

• The history and achievements of standout players like Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson.
• The impact of segregation on baseball and American society.
• Key events and developments within the Negro Leagues and their evolution.

Through these captivating stories, you will gain insight into the resilience and creativity of African Americans in the face of adversity.

Video Lessons

1. Emancipation and the American Pastime (33 min)

• The early history of Black baseball dating back to the 1850s.

1. Drawing the Color Line (31 min)

• The transition to segregation in baseball and its roots.

1. Black Ball Goes Pro (28 min)

• The formation of early professional Black baseball leagues.

1. Rube Foster: A Baseball Lifer (29 min)

• The legacy of Rube Foster and his contributions to Black baseball.

1. The Negro National League (28 min)

• The establishment and challenges of the first Black baseball league.

1. The Eastern Colored League (28 min)

• Rivalries and growth of the Eastern Colored League.

1. The Troubled Twenties (30 min)

• The successes and struggles of Black baseball in the 1920s.

1. Making a Way out of No Way (31 min)

• Overcoming adversity during the Great Depression.

1. The East-West Classic (30 min)

• Highlights from the premier all-star game of Black baseball.

1. Surviving the Great Depression (34 min)

• Key figures who helped Black baseball withstand economic hardships.

1. The Negro American League (30 min)

• Growth and success of the league during the 1930s.

1. Integration and the Negro Leagues (38 min)

• The end of segregation and the integration of Major League Baseball.