Negro Leagues to Jackie Robinson: Why Black Players Disappeared

Beyond Black History Month

As America celebrates the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson making his debut in the major leagues, we wanted to understand why there are so few Black baseball players today.

In this episode, we speak to a former Negro League player who also played in the major league. He describes the racism Black players experienced and why some left the Major Leagues for the Negro Leagues. We learn about Moses Fleetwood Walker, the first Black man to integrate baseball decades before Robinson. In addition, we explore why Black children seem less interested in baseball. Lastly, we find out why Jackie Robinson Day is so important.

Guests:

W. James Cobbin, former Negro Leagues and Major Leagues baseball player

Dr. Raymond Doswell, Negro League Baseball Museum

Ed Easton Jr, Sports journalist

Host:

Femi Redwood, Managing Producer of Podcasts

Credits:

Dempsey Pillot, Producer

Anddy Egan-Thorpe, Music composer

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1. Negro Leagues to Jackie Robinson: Why Black Players Disappeared (00:00:00)

2. Marker 01 (00:05:01)

3. Marker 02 (00:08:15)

4. Marker 03 (00:17:17)