Power of Sports | Community Spotlight - Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

In a League of Their Own

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a living monument to recognize the true American Spirit.

When fully harnessed, the American Spirit is a force that can dramatically transform social structures. It was with this spirit that Andrew “Rube” Foster left his mark on Kansas City, MO. 

In 1920, Rube led eight independent African American baseball team owners into the Paseo YMCA. After meeting, the men founded the first successful, organized professional black baseball league: the Negro National League.

“The story of the Negro Leagues embodies the American spirit unlike any story in the annals of American history.” –Bob Kendrick, President of  Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

This story of the negro leagues, and these nine men, in particular, is a rich story about having pride, passion, and determination.

Pride to refuse the notion you’re incapable of performing at the highest level.

Passion to play the game even when men threaten to kill you if you step foot on a field.

And Determination to pursue a sport so future generations will be granted the same opportunity.

The Negro National League was the first to legitimately offer a playing field for African-American and Hispanic baseball players.

Consisting of all black owners, the league gave players a rare opportunity to showcase their world-class athletic abilities to the baseball world.

On February 13th, 2020, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum will kick off its yearlong Centennial Celebration of the league’s founding. 

The celebration begins with the opening of a special Centennial Art Exhibition featuring works from artist Graig Kreindler. The exhibit contains 200 original portrait studies providing a unique showcase of the Negro Leagues’ history.

To learn more about the Negro Leagues and to stay up to date with the museum’s events, visit nlbm.com/.

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