Updated at 8:49 a.m. ET on July 12, 2023.
In July 1918, shortly after American troops achieved their first significant victory in World War I in northern France, W. E. B. Du Bois, the founder of The Crisis, a magazine affiliated with the NAACP, published a thought-provoking editorial. Du Bois, hopeful that African Americans’ involvement in the war would lead to fair treatment and equality at home, called on his readers to set aside their grievances and stand united with their white fellow citizens. However, instead of fostering racial harmony, the end of World War I brought about a wave of violent racism against Black servicemen and civilians across the United States. This backlash solidified the belief among many Black people that they needed to build their own institutions for protection and progress.
The documentary film The League explores the origins of Negro-league baseball during this tumultuous historical period. Directed by Sam Pollard and executive-produced by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, the film traces the rise of various baseball leagues in the early 20th century when Black players were excluded from Major League Baseball. These regional athletic clubs not only showcased extraordinary talent but also revitalized their communities. However, the integration of MLB following Jackie Robinson’s signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers in the late 1940s led to the decline of the Negro leagues. The League refrains from portraying Robinson’s breaking of the color barrier as an inevitable consequence of American racism, instead shedding light on the deliberate construction of racial segregation and exploring the legacy left in its wake. Through meticulous storytelling, The League, which premiered in theaters last week and will be available for streaming this week, presents a compelling case for the enduring significance of the Negro leagues and their undeniable impact on modern baseball.
Although Black Americans had previously played on integrated major-league teams as early as 1884, by World War I, a gentlemen’s agreement among white team owners effectively banned Black players from participating in Major League Baseball. In response to this increased segregation, Black players formed their own professional teams. In 1919, Andrew “Rube” Foster, the owner-manager of the Chicago American Giants, published a series of op-eds titled “Pitfalls of Baseball,” urging other Black team owners to unify and cautioning against surrendering control to white owners. Inspired by Frederick Douglass’ words, Foster and his fellow executives established the National Negro League in 1920 with the motto, “We are the ship, all else the sea.”
Unlike many conventional sports films that romanticize underdog triumphs, The League presents a nuanced portrayal of baseball’s history, dispelling the notion that integration alone would solve the racial divide. The documentary exposes the racist behavior of influential figures in baseball’s past, such as Cap Anson, who spearheaded a campaign to exclude Black players, and MLB commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis, who upheld segregation until his death. The film features a diverse cast of players, umpires, owners, writers, and family members who bear witness to and shape the sport’s history.
Sam Pollard masterfully combines rare footage with insightful analysis, providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of historical events. The documentary pays tribute to legendary players like Satchel Paige, showcasing their unique talents and the impact they had on the game. The League also explores the economic and cultural significance of Black baseball, with fans often prioritizing games to the extent that churches moved their service times to accommodate attendance. The documentary goes beyond the borders of the United States, highlighting the opportunity and solidarity that the Negro leagues offered Latino players and Caribbean nations. By the time The League delves into Jackie Robinson’s groundbreaking journey to the MLB, viewers are left grappling with conflicting emotions. The film delves into Robinson’s internal struggles and the hardships he endured, shedding light on the complexity of his experience. Despite the challenges, Robinson persevered, silencing his detractors and paving the way for future generations.
The League stands as a testament to the remarkable talent, unity, and influence of Black players within their communities. Through powerful testimonials and insightful analysis, the film captures the essence of their extraordinary contributions to the sport of baseball.
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