P1014965

A Special League

By acidpanic23

  • In 1882 the first professional African American teams were formed.

    In 1882 the first professional African American teams were formed.
    Unlike earlier players, these players were paid to play.

  • The first long-lasting league for black teams was the Negro National League (NNL).

    The first long-lasting league for black teams was the Negro National League (NNL).
    It was founded in 1920. Another league, the Eastern Colored League, was founded in 1923. These leagues gave talented black players the chance to play the game they love. They also gave fans a chance to see great baseball.

  • The NNL became very popular in the 1930s.

    The NNL became very popular in the 1930s.
    From then until 1950, the East-West All-Star game was played every year. Between 30,000 and 40,000 fans attended! Yet things were not as easy for black players as for white players. Black players had to travel more often and play more games. They made less money. In some places they were refused rooms in hotels.

  • In 1947 professional baseball became intregated.

    In 1947 professional baseball became intregated.
    That year, blacks were allowed to play with whites on Major League teams. Meanwhile, television was starting to show baseball games. These events led to the end of the Negro National League.