About this item
Highlights
- The struggle to integrate the Baltimore Orioles mirrored the fight for civil rights in Baltimore.
- About the Author: Bob Luke is the author of six books about baseball and race in America.
- 216 Pages
- Sports + Recreation, Baseball
Description
About the Book
" This book tells the story of the integration of the Orioles. The author describes how tensions between community leaders and team officials aborted negotiations to both increase black attendance and put an African American in the club's executive ranks"--Book Synopsis
The struggle to integrate the Baltimore Orioles mirrored the fight for civil rights in Baltimore. The Orioles debuted in 1954, the same year the Supreme Court struck down public school segregation. As Baltimore experienced demonstrations, white flight and a 1968 riot, team integration came slowly. Black players--mostly outfielders--made cameo appearances as black fans stayed away in droves. The breakthrough came in 1966, with the arrival of a more enlightened owner, and African American superstar Frank Robinson. As more black players filled the roster, the Orioles dominated the American League from 1969 through much of the 1970s and into the early 1980s.
Attempts to integrate the team's executive suite were less successful. While black players generally did not participate in civil rights actions, several under Robinson's leadership pushed for front office jobs for former black players. Drawing on primary sources and interviews with former executives, players and sportswriters, this book tells the story of the integration of the Orioles. The author describes how tensions between community leaders and team officials aborted negotiations to both increase black attendance and put an African American in the club's executive ranks.
Review Quotes
"Well researched...[Luke] does an excellent job of weaving the histories of the city, the game and the Orioles organization"-Nine; "a compelling balanced narrative...impressive research...a wide array of interviews with former Orioles that prove invaluable to his story.... Those interested in the history of sport, race, and civil rights will benefit from Luke and those who follow in his example."-U.S. Sport History; "Luke delivers a compelling, balanced narrative of how the Oriole organization and the city of Baltimore confronted race and segregation during the height of the modern black freedom struggle.... Those interested in the history of sport, race, and civil rights will benefit from Luke and those who follow his example."-Sport in American History.
About the Author
Bob Luke is the author of six books about baseball and race in America. He lives in Garrett Park, Maryland.