Description
Book SynopsisThe story behind the mainstream press’s efforts to preserve baseball’s color line and the efforts of Black and communist newspapers to end it.
Trade Review“Everyone—casual fans, journalists, and even the most knowledgeable baseball expert—will find something of interest in this significant contribution to our understanding of civil rights and baseball.”—John Paul Hill,
NINE: A Journal of Baseball History and Cultures "Lamb . . . brings all his scholarly tools to the project. . . . The author has documented a story of immense cultural importance."—
Kirkus Starred Review
"[
Conspiracy of Silence] is a valuable resource for students of baseball history and for readers concerned with the history of race relations and the media in this country."—Robert Bruce Slater,
Library Journal"
Conspiracy of Silence represents a significant contribution to the study of baseball, race, and the press."—Trey Strecker,
Journal of Sport History"
Conspiracy of Silence offers overwhelming evidence of the effectiveness of the black press in advancing integration in this country."—Dorothy Seymour Mills,
New York Journal"Lamb's thorough journalistic exposé chronicles the drama and history behind the game, while tracing how the desegregation of baseball parallels the story of the civil rights movement in the United States."—Kathleen Gerard,
Shelf Awareness"Lamb's research shows the struggle that took place in the media had a lot to do with the tug-o-war of ideals and practicality of all the issues involved in the decision. It's as good a book on the subject as we've ever come across."—Tom Hoffarth,
Farther Off The Wall "Though it covers some familiar ground, this solidly researched study introduces new faces to the picture to broaden the context. The clear, bold writing makes the book a joy to read."—L. A. Heaphy,
Choice"This is important, overdue work."—Gene Sapakoff,
Post and Courier"Everyone—casual fans, journalists, and even the most knowledgeable baseball expert—will find something of interest in this significant contribution to our understanding of civil rights and baseball."—John Paul Hill,
NINETable of ContentsAcknowledgments
Part 1
1. White Sportswriters and Minstrel Shows
Part 2
2. The Color Line Is Drawn
3. Invisible Men
4. “Agitators” and “Social-Minded Drum Beaters”
(written with Kelly Rusinack)
Part 3
5. “L’affaire Jake Powell”
6. Major League Managers and Ballplayers Call for End of Color Line
Part 4
7. The Double V Campaign
8. “The Great White Father” Speaks
9. Black Editors Make Their Case for Desegregation
10. “Get Those Niggers Off the Field”
Part 5
11. Robinson Becomes the Chosen One
Part 6
12. “I Never Want to Take Another Trip Like This One”
Notes
Bibliography
Index
