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Only the Ball Was White (1980)

Only the Ball Was White (1980)

Documentary

An Inspirational Documentary About the Forgotten Athletes of Baseball's Negro League

Release Date: 1980, February 21
Directors: Ken Solarz
Countries: United States of America
Production: WTTW/Chicago
Cast: Paul Winfield, Leroy 'Satchel' Paige, Buck Leonard, Effa Manley, Don Newcombe, Roy Campanella, Jimmie Crutchfield, Sam Hairston, Quincy Trouppe, Branch Rickey Jr

Overview:

Throughout the 1900's, before Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier in 1946, black baseball talent blossomed in the Negro Leagues. Baseball buffs still sing the praises of Josh Gibson who could be counted on to hit 70 homeruns in a season, and Satchel Paige who pitched over 100 no-hitters in his career. Only the Ball Was White pays tribute to the many topflight players from the Negro Leagues. Narrated by actor Paul Winfield, the program documents a bygone bittersweet era in baseball and the men who were denied stardom by the color line. Ballplayers throughout the country were interviewed for this program, all of them quick to tell tales of the life, the competition, and the camaraderie. These include: Satchel Paige, Roy Campanella, Buck Leonard, Jimmy Crutchfield, David Malarcher, Effa Manley, and Quincy Trouppe.

Keywords:

sports baseball negro league