"Before Jackie Robinson hit his first crisp line drive into the grass of Ebbets Field, the game of baseball was black and white. But segregation didn't stop black athletes from playing baseball, and playing it with as much dazzle and aplomb as the greatest white stars. Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, Cool Papa Bell, Judy Johnson, Monte Irvin, and Jackie Robinson--they and other Negro League stars played with a level of skill, verve, and grit that made them heroes among both black and white fans. Featuring an extensive collection of vintage photos, including pictures from Paige's personal scrapbook, this book is the first popular illustrated work on the subject."--Google Books viewed March 8, 2022.