African American Pioneers of Baseball: A Biographical Encyclopedia (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780313338519)

When Jackie Robinson became the first African American player in major league baseball in 1947, elbowing aside the league's policies of segregation that had been inviolate for 60 years, he became a symbol of opportunity and acceptance for African American players everywhere. Robinson withstood discrimination to establish himself as a Hall of Fame player, and to lead future generations of black players into the previously all-white world of Major League Baseball. Written for students and general readers alike, this biographical encyclopedia chronicles the history of African American baseball through the life stories of the game's greatest players, the legends who played a significant role in the integration of the major league.

From Negro League stars Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson, to color line shatterer Jackie Robinson, and those who followed them in the limelight, such as Hank Aaron and Willie Mays, readers will learn how the inclusion of African American players in Major League Baseball improved the sport and race relations in the United States during this critical period in history.

Providing detailed accounts of each player's amazing professional achievements, this insightful reference describes how the spectacular talents of African American players elevated Major League Baseball forever. Features include a timeline of important events, numerous photographs, and a bibliography of print and electronic sources for further reading.

Author: Lew Freedman
ISBN-10: 0313338515
ISBN-13: 9780313338519
Publisher: Greenwood
Language: English
Published: 04/30/2007
Pages: 320
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.79lbs
Size: 10.27h x 7.09w x 1.00d

Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 10/01/2007 pg. 86
Multicultural Review 12/01/2007 pg. 79