Paterson, New Jersey — The Negro leagues were a home for Black baseball players from the 1920s through the 1940s. A new documentary called “The League” shines a light on the notable owners, managers, and players who never received recognition in the history books of Major League Baseball. Director Sam Pollard describes the trials and tribulations these players had to endure just to play the game they loved. The film incorporates archival material and interviews with players like the late Hank Aaron, who played for Negro league teams before breaking Babe Ruth’s MLB home run record.
The documentary also captures the boom times of Black baseball, when legends like Josh Gibson drew massive crowds. Sean Gibson, Josh Gibson’s great-grandson, praises the film as the best documentary he has seen, highlighting the challenges his ancestor faced as a single father trying to excel in baseball during a time of segregation. The integration of the MLB by Jackie Robinson in 1947 marked the beginning of the end for the Negro leagues. As their biggest stars left, the leagues gradually declined and eventually ceased to exist in 1960.
One of the last surviving Negro league ballparks, Hinchliffe in Paterson, New Jersey, became dilapidated over time. However, it recently reopened after a $100 million renovation, serving as a symbol of urban renewal and a comeback story. Local activists prevented its demolition and the stadium is now a source of civic pride. Sam Pollard expresses his joy at knowing that legendary players like Cool Papa Bell, Satchel Paige, Larry Doby, and Monte Irvin graced the same field. The film emphasizes the importance of understanding this significant part of American history.
“The League” is available to stream on digital platforms.
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