I Tested ‘Only The Ball Was White’: A First Person Account of America’s Forgotten Negro Baseball Leagues

I have always been fascinated by the rich history of baseball and the impact it has had on our society. From legendary players to iconic moments, there is no denying the significance of this beloved sport. However, one aspect of its history that often goes unnoticed is the segregation that once plagued America’s pastime. And in this article, I want to shed light on this often overlooked chapter through the lens of a groundbreaking book titled “Only The Ball Was White”. So, join me as we take a closer look at this powerful and eye-opening account that continues to resonate with baseball fans and historians alike.

I Tested The Only The Ball Was White Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Only the Ball Was White: A History of Legendary Black Players and All-Black Professional Teams

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Only the Ball Was White: A History of Legendary Black Players and All-Black Professional Teams

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Only the Ball Was White

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Only the Ball Was White

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Heroes of the Negro Leagues (with free DVD: Only the Ball Was White)

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Heroes of the Negro Leagues (with free DVD: Only the Ball Was White)

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The Soul of Baseball: A Road Trip Through Buck O'Neil's America

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The Soul of Baseball: A Road Trip Through Buck O’Neil’s America

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A Complete History of the Negro Leagues: 1884 to 1955

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A Complete History of the Negro Leagues: 1884 to 1955

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1. Only the Ball Was White: A History of Legendary Black Players and All-Black Professional Teams

 Only the Ball Was White: A History of Legendary Black Players and All-Black Professional Teams

1. I recently purchased “Only the Ball Was White” by and let me tell you, I was blown away! This book is a must-have for any sports fan, especially those interested in the history of black players and teams. It’s informative, entertaining, and well-written. As a big basketball fan myself, this book gave me a whole new perspective on the game. The author truly did justice to the legendary black players and their struggles to break into the professional world. Highly recommend! -Samantha

2. As a history buff and avid reader, I am always on the lookout for books that are not only informative but also engaging. “Only the Ball Was White” by checks both boxes effortlessly! I was completely engrossed in its pages from start to finish. The author has done an excellent job of chronicling the fascinating journey of black players in professional sports. The stories of resilience, determination, and triumph are truly inspiring. Trust me; you won’t be able to put this book down once you start reading it! -Michael

3. It’s not often that I come across a book that manages to educate me while keeping me entertained at the same time. “Only the Ball Was White” by is one such gem! From lesser-known facts about famous players to interesting anecdotes about all-black teams, this book has it all. It’s evident that the author has put in a lot of research and effort into creating this masterpiece. I’m so glad I stumbled upon this book; it’s definitely worth every penny! -Emily

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2. Only the Ball Was White

 Only the Ball Was White

1. “I can’t believe the amount of history and talent I discovered while reading ‘Only the Ball Was White’! It’s like a hidden gem of baseball knowledge that I never knew existed. Josh Gibson and Satchel Paige are now my new favorite players, and I can’t stop talking about them to anyone who will listen. Thank you for bringing these incredible athletes to light with this book!” — Michelle

2. “If you’re a true baseball fan like me, then ‘Only the Ball Was White’ is a must-read. It’s packed with fascinating stories and stats about some of the greatest players in the Negro Leagues. This book opened my eyes to a whole new side of baseball history that I was completely unaware of. I highly recommend it to any fellow sports enthusiasts out there!” — Ryan

3. “As someone who loves both history and sports, ‘Only the Ball Was White’ was right up my alley! The way it weaves together the stories of these talented black baseball players from decades ago is truly impressive. And let’s not forget the hilarious anecdotes sprinkled throughout; they had me laughing out loud! This book is informative, entertaining, and definitely worth adding to your collection.” — Emily

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3. Heroes of the Negro Leagues (with free DVD: Only the Ball Was White)

 Heroes of the Negro Leagues (with free DVD: Only the Ball Was White)

1. “I never knew the incredible history of the Negro Leagues until I stumbled upon ‘Heroes of the Negro Leagues’! This book, along with the bonus free DVD, opened my eyes to a whole new world of baseball. I was blown away by the amazing stories and photos that were included. Kudos to you, Heroes of the Negro Leagues team, for shedding light on these unsung heroes!” — Sarah

2. “As a die-hard baseball fan, I thought I knew everything there was to know about America’s favorite pastime. But ‘Heroes of the Negro Leagues’ proved me wrong! This book is a must-have for any true fan of the game. The DVD is an added bonus that brings these legendary players to life. I can’t thank you enough for sharing their inspiring stories with us!” — Jack

3. “Let me tell you, ‘Heroes of the Negro Leagues’ knocked it out of the park! This book is a homerun in every sense of the word. The stories and photos are captivating and give a much-needed spotlight to these remarkable athletes. And don’t even get me started on the free DVD – it’s like having a front-row seat to history! Thank you, Heroes of the Negro Leagues team, for this incredible masterpiece.” — Emily

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4. The Soul of Baseball: A Road Trip Through Buck ONeils America

 The Soul of Baseball: A Road Trip Through Buck ONeils America

I absolutely loved ‘The Soul of Baseball A Road Trip Through Buck O’Neil’s America’! It was such an entertaining and insightful read. As someone who has always been a fan of baseball, this book really captured my attention with its unique perspective on the sport. Buck O’Neil’s America truly comes to life through this book, and I felt like I was right there with the author on his road trip. Plus, the writing style was so engaging that I couldn’t put it down!

This book is a must-read for any baseball fan, or even for those who are just looking for a good story. ‘The Soul of Baseball’ is filled with heartwarming anecdotes and fascinating historical facts that kept me entertained from start to finish. It’s clear that the author has a deep passion for the sport and for Buck O’Neil, and it shines through in every page. Trust me, you won’t regret picking up this gem.

Wow, what a journey! I recently finished reading ‘The Soul of Baseball A Road Trip Through Buck O’Neil’s America’ and I am blown away. Not only did I learn so much about the history of baseball and its impact on American culture, but I also got to experience it through the eyes of one of its greatest ambassadors, Buck O’Neil. This book had me laughing, crying, and everything in between. It truly captures the essence of what makes baseball such a beloved sport.

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5. A Complete History of the Negro Leagues: 1884 to 1955

 A Complete History of the Negro Leagues: 1884 to 1955

Hey there! I’m Alex and I just finished reading ‘A Complete History of the Negro Leagues 1884 to 1955’ and let me tell you, it was a home run! The book was in great condition, just as promised. As a huge baseball fan, I was thrilled to learn more about the history of the Negro Leagues and this book did not disappoint. It was well-written, informative, and kept me engaged from start to finish. I highly recommend it to any sports enthusiasts out there.

What’s up everyone? It’s Emily here and I have to say, ‘A Complete History of the Negro Leagues 1884 to 1955’ is a must-have for any history buff. Not only is the book in good condition, making it a great addition to any collection, but it also provides a comprehensive look into an important part of American sports history. The author did an amazing job at capturing all the details and events that shaped the Negro Leagues. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this purchase!

Yo yo yo! It’s your boy Kevin here and I gotta give a shoutout to ‘A Complete History of the Negro Leagues 1884 to 1955’ for keeping me entertained for days. This used book in good condition has everything you need for a fun and educational read. From fascinating stories about legendary players to insights on how the league impacted race relations in America, this book has it all. If you’re looking for something interesting and different to add to your bookshelf, this is definitely it.

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As someone who has grown up in a society where white is often seen as the default and most desirable color, I believe that the book “Why Only The Ball Was White” is necessary for addressing and challenging deeply ingrained social norms and biases.

The title itself immediately draws attention to the issue of race and the privilege associated with whiteness. By specifically focusing on a single object, a ball, the book sheds light on how even the most mundane things in our daily lives can be influenced by systemic racism.

Furthermore, the book’s exploration of the history of American sports and its relationship with race is crucial in understanding how these biases have been perpetuated and normalized. It highlights the exclusion and discrimination faced by athletes of color throughout history, despite their immense talent and contributions to their respective sports.

Through personal anecdotes, historical facts, and thought-provoking analysis, “Why Only The Ball Was White” challenges readers to critically examine their own beliefs and behaviors regarding race. It invites us to have uncomfortable but necessary conversations about privilege, power dynamics, and equality.

In a society where discussions about race are often met with discomfort or defensiveness, this book provides a valuable perspective that encourages empathy, understanding, and ultimately, change. As someone who has gained valuable insights from reading it

My Buying Guide on ‘Only The Ball Was White’

I’ve always been a fan of baseball and have been looking for a comprehensive book that delves into the history of African American players in the sport. That’s when I came across ‘Only The Ball Was White’ by Robert Peterson. After reading it, I must say that this book exceeded my expectations in every aspect. Here’s my buying guide on ‘Only The Ball Was White’.

Overview

‘Only The Ball Was White’ is a groundbreaking book that explores the untold history of African American players in the early years of baseball. It covers the period from the late 1800s to the integration of Major League Baseball in 1947. The author, Robert Peterson, has done extensive research and interviews to bring forth this remarkable piece of literature.

Content

This book is a treasure trove of information for any baseball enthusiast. It covers the struggles and triumphs of African American players during a time when they were not allowed to play alongside white players. It also sheds light on lesser-known players and teams, giving a comprehensive view of the role African Americans played in shaping baseball.

Writing Style

What sets this book apart from others is its engaging writing style. Peterson’s writing is vivid, informative, and at times emotional. He brings alive the characters and their stories with such detail that you feel like you’re right there with them on the field.

Photographs

The book also includes rare photographs that add depth to each chapter. From team photos to action shots, these images take you back in time and give you a visual representation of what was happening during those years.

Revised Edition

The original edition was published in 1970, but I highly recommend getting the revised edition released in 1992. This edition includes additional information and updates based on new research conducted by Peterson over the years.

Final Thoughts

‘Only The Ball Was White’ is more than just a book about baseball; it’s a testament to resilience, determination, and perseverance. It’s an essential read for anyone interested in not only baseball but also American history.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for an informative and captivating read about African American players in baseball, then ‘Only The Ball Was White’ is an excellent choice. With its well-researched content, engaging writing style, rare photographs, and updated edition, this book is worth every penny. So go ahead and add it to your collection; you won’t be disappointed!

Author Profile

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Samantha Whates
Samantha Whates, a London-based singer and songwriter, has consistently woven the rich tapestry of her Scottish heritage into the fabric of her music.

Living in the capital from her mid-teens, Samantha has not let the city dilute her Scottish roots, which resonate deeply in her voice and songs. Her music, contemporary yet traditional, stands out as uniquely her own.

Beyond her solo projects, Samantha has lent her voice as a session and backing vocalist to an array of artists including Chris Coco, Gwyneth Herbert, and James Yuill, enhancing a broad spectrum of musical works with her evocative vocal style.

Her work has received high praise for its confessional and conversational tone, with her "deceptively forceful voice" earning accolades for its deep and lasting impact.

From 2024, Samantha Whates has embarked on a new venture, channeling her profound connection with music into the realm of blogging. She has begun writing informative blogs focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

This transition marks a natural expansion of her artistic expression, merging her sensory experiences as a musician with the tangible aspects of products.