With the world's eyes on Jackie Robinson, there were not many who noticed the sportswriter who traveled by the baseball star's side in 1946-47. Wendell Smith was a pioneer not only in writing, but in broadcast media as well, with a career that spanned 1937-1972 and included more than 1,500 written pieces. After an extensive biographical sketch, this work presents a collection of Smith's writings. Chapters are organized to present him as one who chronicled Black history, traveled extensively, challenged racism, noted progress in racial relations, criticized friends, praised enemies, and bid farewell to notable figures who passed before him. Black athletes covered in his writings include Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, Ernie Banks, and many more. When necessary, the editor provides commentary to provide context or illustrate key points.

Autobiography of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, beginning with his athletic career and dealing particularly with baseball and the first step toward equal participation by African Americans in this great sport. “I believe that a man’s race, color, and religion should never constitute a handicap. The denial to anyone, anywhere, any time of equality of opportunity to work is incomprehensible to me. Moreover, I believe that the American public is not as concerned with a first baseman’s pigmentation as it is with the power of his swing, the dexterity of his slide, the gracefulness of his fielding, or the speed of his legs.”—From Foreword by Branch Hickey

This dual biography highlights the transformative influence of Sam Lacy and Wendell Smith, two journalists who changed American sport and society through their calls to desegregate Major League Baseball and recognize Black baseball players. In a decade-long battle, Lacy and Smith tirelessly advocated for the inclusion of Black players in the major leagues, reporting in the Baltimore Afro-American and Pittsburgh Courier, respectively. Both sports writers covered players in the Negro Leagues, following off-season games in places like Mexico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. In 1947, Lacy’s and Smith’s work helped break through MLB’s racial barriers when Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers. Over the coming years, Lacy and Smith, on individual career trajectories but sharing a common goal, would report on the dissolution of the Negro Leagues and future MVPs such as Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Elston Howard. The book considers the lasting legacies of these sports journalists, both recognized in the writers’ wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Through its thoughtful analysis of Lacy and Smith’s groundbreaking impact on America’s pastime, this book will appeal to students and general readers interested in sports history and journalism and Afro-American history.

With the world's eyes on Jackie Robinson, there were not many who noticed the sportswriter who traveled by the baseball star's side in 1946-47. Wendell Smith was a pioneer not only in writing, but in broadcast media as well, with a career that spanned 1937-1972 and included more than 1,500 written pieces. After an extensive biographical sketch, this work presents a collection of Smith's writings. Chapters are organized to present him as one who chronicled Black history, traveled extensively, challenged racism, noted progress in racial relations, criticized friends, praised enemies, and bid farewell to notable figures who passed before him. Black athletes covered in his writings include Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, Ernie Banks, and many more. When necessary, the editor provides commentary to provide context or illustrate key points.

The dramatic history of this legendary team.

Shane rides into the valley where Bob Starrett's family lives, and Bob, 15, tells about Shane's winning ways.

From the official historian of Major League Baseball, who was inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989, comes this definitive collection of more than 40 years' worth of his award-winning columns and articles that have appeared in "The Sporting News, Saturday Evening Post, " and "Baseball Digest." Photos.

Jackie Robinson changed the face of baseball and captured the attention and hearts of America in 1947. "The Jackie Robinson Reader" gathers writings that demonstrate the cultural impact of Robinson's actions and the life of the man himself. 8-page photo insert.

Offers a history of African American exclusion from baseball, and assesses the changing racial attitudes that led up to Jackie Robinson's acceptance by the Brooklyn Dodgers.