Negro League Baseball: They changed the game! [part 2]

Article provided complimentary of the Branson Globe; please contact Rob at 417-334-9100 about sponsorship for continued run of my articles.

Negro League Baseball was different. Bunt to first, steal second, sacrifice to third, then you better steal home. It was exciting and fast paced that put the pressure on the defense.

“Small Ball,” is how the game was meant to be played instead of waiting for the 3-run home run. White players back then and many major leaguers today are wrapped up in their own statistics and have lost the concept of team.

As a fan, the fast paced, never-say-die attitude was infectious. The black man brought this style of play to the majors and they were chastised for it. Not only was racism pervasive, but these newbies wanted to change the game—and they did! Assimilation of the black player was hard, it took decades, but it happened. Talent and will won out.

A centerpiece of the Negro League Baseball Museum is a baseball field with life size bronze statues of some of the game’s greatest players.

Satchel Paige

He was the Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali of baseball. As a pitcher, he would tell you what he was going to do then do it! He named his pitches, the Creeper, Whispy-Dipsy-Do, Bat Dodger and my favorite, the Bee Ball, because that pitch would be right where he wanted it to be—usually high and tight.

Once in a game in Colorado the first batter got a bunt hit off Satchel. A player from the white dugout yelled, “he’s just an overrated darkie!” Well, that did it! Satchel had first baseman and manager Buck O’Neil pull in the outfielders into the infield and proceed to strike out the next three batters on nine pitches. The white dugout profusely apologized but overrated, my rear! Satchel Paige went on to pitch in 2,600 games, with 300 shutouts and 55 no hitters—best stats for a pitcher ever.

Oscar Charleston

Oscar was rated fourth best player of all time by Bill James. He would play a very shallow centerfield, daring batters to hit it over his head; many would, only to have Oscar run it down. He won three batting titles and incredibly three Triple Crowns!

John Henry “Pop” Lloyd

Babe Ruth didn’t make a color distinction: “Pop Lloyd is the best baseball player of all time!” Lloyd was a smooth fielding shortstop with great range who carried a .343 lifetime batting average.

Josh Gibson

Josh was the black Babe Ruth and one of the best power hitters and catchers of all time, with a .373 lifetime average, three batting titles and two Triple Crowns. As much as an individual could, Josh dominated the game in the 1930s.

Cool Papa Bell

One of the fastest men ever to play the game. Satchel Paige was quoted, “he hit a line drive next to my ear, and I turned around to see the ball hit him in the butt as he was sliding into second—now that's fast!” He has been known to be on first base and able to score on a single—now that’s fast! He’d take a walk, steal second and third only to pester the pitcher and come home on a balk or steal home too—now that's fast!

Jackie Robinson

He upset the apple cart. First black man brought into the white man’s Major League. Branch Rickey of the Brooklyn Dodgers didn’t purchase him from the Kansas City Monarchs. That’s another story that can be heard on the podcast, but Jackie did bring the Negro League style of play to the majors. The game changed, society changed and people slowly accepted.

Hank Arron

Hank was the last Major League player who also played in the Negro League. He was one of the greatest ball players of all time with 3,771 hits and 755 home runs breaking Babe Ruth's record and holding the title until losing it in 2007 to a juiced Barry Bonds.

Buck O’Neil

I have had the honor to talk with Buck O’Neil several times at Royals games. He signed the brim of my Monarchs cap. I wish more people in this world were like Buck – full of grace, wisdom and charm. He left his mark not only on the game but on everyone who knew him.

I find it difficult to write about the injustices and challenges that faced another race, perpetrated by my race, but spending time with Bob Kendrick producing our podcasts, he put me at ease. You can see the influence Buck has on him. As we were wrapping up the first half of our interview he looked at his watch and said, “I’m sorry, Bob, I have to step away for 20 minutes or so. I have a conference call with the Minnesota Twins.” I thought, gee, if I only had a nickel for every time I heard that one!

There are so many other worthy players to get to know. Go to the Negro League Baseball Museum in Kansas City and treat yourself to an afternoon of enlightenment and history. To understand better the period and struggles is learning more about America and this magical game.

————————————

You can find more of Bob’s work on his website, Bobfordshistory.com and videos on YouTube, TikTok, YouTube and Clapper. He can be reached at robertmford@aol.com .