[Detail] A. A. Mattern/John Kling. Hassan Triple Folders, 1912.
Segregation & The Struggle for Equality
Reflecting American society in general, amateur and professional baseball remained largely segregated in the early 1800s. In July 1887, the International League banned contracts with black players all together.
Students can browse the collection by player for evidence of this institutionalized prejudice. Segregation remained the rule in major league baseball until April, 1947 when Jackie Robinson stepped onto the field. Students can learn more about Robinson and Civil Rights in the special presentation "Baseball, the Color Line, and Jackie Robinson, 1860s-1960s" in Jackie Robinson and Other Baseball Highlights, 1860s-1960s.
