Negro Leagues History

Negro Leagues History

African-Americans began to play baseball in the late 1800s on military teams, college teams, and company teams. They eventually found their way to professional teams with white players. Moses Fleetwood Walker and Bud Fowler were among the first to participate. However, racism and “Jim Crow” laws would force them from these teams by 1900. Thus, black players formed their own units, “barnstorming” around the country to play anyone who would challenge them.

In 1920, an organized league structure was formed under the guidance of Andrew “Rube” Foster—a former player, manager, and owner for the Chicago American Giants. In a meeting held at the

Paseo YMCA in Kansas City, Mo., Foster and a few other Midwestern team owners joined to form the Negro National League. Soon, rival leagues formed in Eastern and Southern states, bringing the thrills and innovative play of black baseball to major urban centers and rural country sides in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. The Leagues maintained a high level of professional skill and became centerpieces for economic development in many black communities.

Jackie Robinson

How popular were the Kansas City Monarchs? So popular that Black Churches would move their Sunday service time back an hour so that fans could attend the game. Fans left church, “Dressed to the Nines,” headed straight to the ballpark to see their beloved Monarchs play. In 2013, the NLBM teamed with a group of local Kansas City Royals baseball fans to recreate that spirit by putting on their “Sunday Best” to watch a Royals game. A new tradition, “Dressed to the Nines,” was born. The stylish event is now paired with the Royals annual “Salute to the Negro Leagues,” and has easily become the most fashionable day in baseball.

Museum Closure & Holiday Hours

In recognition of the Juneteenth Holiday the NLBM offices will be closed and the Exhibit and Gift Shop will be open from 10:00AM – 3:00PM on Wednesday, June 19. Normal hours  will resume on Thursday, June 20th