In 1887, team owners decreed that African-Americans were barred from the Major Leagues. Prior to this date, black players were on the teams, though they usually called themselves “Cubans.” Buck O’Neil writes in the foreword, “Segregation was the only reason that the Negro Leagues existed.” They were formed to give black players the opportunity to play at a professional level so they would be ready when the Majors were integrated. It would be 50 years before Jackie Robinson got that call. Weatherford has collected a wealth of information and memorabilia from the earliest days through the Leagues’ demise in 1963. There are wonderful photos of the players and teams. Weatherford displays tickets, advertising, banners, equipment and more as if pasted in a scrapbook. The result is a thorough picture of Negro Leagues in all their sadness, pain, and glory. One doesn’t need to be a baseball fan to be fascinated. (Nonfiction. 8+)
