Dive into Black baseball history in Birmingham's Negro Southern League Museum
Take a tour of the Negro Southern League Museum in Birmingham, AL and explore all the baseball history.
As Major League Baseball pays tribute to its rich history at Rickwood Field, the spotlight turns to the legacy of the Negro Leagues, showcased prominently at the Negro Southern League Museum in Birmingham. FOX54's coverage dives into this history through an exclusive series with Anthony Williams, director of the museum.
Negro Southern League Museum Get a look at the museum's history collection
Simon Williams shows us inside the Negro Southern League Museum. Highlighted by over 1,700 autographed baseballs from former Negro League players, including icons like Willie Mays and Hank Aaron. "It's their stories, their lives. It's their legacy," said Williams. With fewer than 150 living players remaining from that era, the museum serves as a look at this pivotal chapter in baseball history.
Huntsville's History A dive into the Huntsville Stars
In part 2, Nick Kuzma shifts focus to discuss local history, highlighting the Huntsville Stars, a minor league Negro team whose players made significant contributions to the broader league. Williams shares insights into their pivotal role in developing black baseball talent, bridging aspirations from local fields to national fame.
Black Baseball History Key players in baseball
In part 3, Mo Carter talks with Williams about the integration era. Learn about Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking entry into MLB. Despite challenges and racial segregation in places like Birmingham, the journey toward inclusivity in baseball gained momentum.
Integration to the present day How things changed in the Majors
Post-integration era, reflecting on how the Negro Leagues evolved to help stars get into the MLB. Williams emphasized the importance of recognizing Negro League players' contributions, now acknowledged by MLB with the incorporation of their stats.