Essay on Integration in Major League Baseball - 1039 Words

When asked to describe a baseball the first word generally voiced is white, and before April 15, 1947 that is exactly what the game of baseball was, white. â€Å"There is no law against Negroes playing with white teams, or whites with colored clubs, but neither has invited the other for the obvious reason they prefer to draw their talent from their own ranks† (‘42’). These were the feelings of people living in 1947, that blacks and whites were not meant to play baseball together. Then, why decades earlier, had there been an African American in the league? In 1887, an African American Pitcher, George Stovey, was expected to pitch a game with Chicago, however, the first baseman, Cap Anson, would not play as long as Stovey was on the field. Other†¦show more content†¦Through all this Robinson still showed to be the team’s most valuable player, securing not only his future, but other African American players like Larry Doby. Larry Doby was the second African American player in the mlb and the first in the American League. Doby was signed, â€Å"with the Cleveland Indians in 1947† (Editors), the same year as Jackie Robinson. Like Robinson, â€Å"Doby was excluded from many segregated hotels and restaurants frequented by teammates, received numerous death threats† (Editors). Doby faced the same circumstances as Jackie Robinson, but Robinson already had so much publicity that Doby was mostly overlooked at the time. Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby were very determined to stick with the game they loved and to make a change. Thanks to their performance both on and off the ball field, â€Å"other owners began to seek talented black players, and by 1952, there were 150 black players in organized baseball† (Branch). Their â€Å"actions had repercussions far beyond the sports world† (Jim). The integration of baseball was an enormous smack in the face to all of segregation. Many racial barriers quickly tumbled down with the integration of baseball; restaurants, hotels, and stores removed their â€Å"white only† signs bringing blacks and whites together. Robinson and Doby could not have won the battle against segregation on their own, the press helped to make their struggle to be known throughout the country. Newspapers contained the latest stories and updates fromShow MoreRelatedJim Crow Laws For African Americans From Performing The Same Daily Activities1704 Words   |  7 Pages entrances, or water fountains as whites. Jim Crow laws had a large impact on baseball. African-Americans were not able to play in Major League Baseball. Because of this many all black baseball teams were formed. These teams eventually led to the formation of many negro baseball leagues throughout the United States. Eventually, Negro League Baseball became extremely popular in the black community. 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According to Jessie Jackson, A champion wins a World Series or an Olympic