The Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Baseball Leagues (Paperback)

~ (Editor), Monte Irvin (Foreword)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Editor Riley is an accomplished writer and a recognized authority on the Negro leagues, having published numerous books on the subject (e.g., Too Dark for the Hall , T.K. Pubs., 1991). His comprehensive reference book documents the careers of 4000 players on teams of major league caliber between 1872 and 1950. Notable Hall of Famers included are Hank Aaron, Satchel Paige, Ernie Banks, and Jackie Robinson. Arranged alphabetically, the citations contain a variety of biographical and statistical information. This valuable compilation also provides illustrations, team histories, an appendix on players, plus an exhaustive bibliography detailing books, periodicals, booklets, and newpaper articles. Public libraries should purchase where demand warrants.
- L.R. Little, Penticton P.L., British Columbia
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

This is a landmark publication in the fields of baseball history and African American history. It documents more than 4,000 players on Negro League teams from 1872 through 1950. According to the publisher, this is the first book to comprehensively cover the careers of all African Americans who played with a team of major-league quality or whose careers had some historical significance. It includes all major-league Hall of Fame players who also played in the Negro League.

The author traversed the country, interviewing men who played in the Negro Leagues about their baseball exploits and the careers of their now-deceased teammates. Information was also gathered by analyzing archival resources for contemporary accounts of games and by viewing microfilm reels of black newspapers. Entries include player name and nicknames, media names, etc.; vital statistics, such as height and weight, birth and death dates; and career information, including years of active play, positions played, teams of which the player was a member. Standard baseball statistical data, such as batting averages and pitching records, are given in the body of the text. The length of entries ranges from 20-word footnotelike entries to a 2,000-word essay on the great pitcher Satchel Paige.

Entries include delightful anecdotal material as well. For instance, the entry for pitcher Luis Tiant (father of the 1970s Red Sox pitcher of the same name) notes his wily moves and deceptive screwball with which he held Babe Ruth to a single in a double-header. Other entries chronicle the careers of players generally unknown to the public, many of whom were some of the best men to ever play the game. Such is the case of perhaps the most versatile player, Martin Dihigo, who played virtually every position of the infield (including pitcher) and outfield for 22 years (1923-45) in the Negro League and in Latin America. One year in Mexico he led the league in hitting with a .387 batting average and also in pitching with a 18-2 record and .097 ERA.

Not all entries are biographical: there are many entries on Negro League teams. An appendix provides a bibliography of books, periodicals, newspapers, and special collections and a list of players interviewed. Three inserts of photographs of players are included.

The Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Baseball Leagues is a one-of-a-kind work that all public libraries should acquire. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 976 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (March 12, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786709596
• ISBN-13: 978-0786709595
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 1.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #875,894 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If You Love Baseball..., August 7, 2001

By	MCB (Orange, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Baseball Leagues (Hardcover)

...I question that love if you do not have this book. This is the most concise collection of biographies, stats, and information about every human involved with the development, management, and participation in every Negro League that ever existed. Even players whose first name was not known is listed with at least a few words about when they played and for whom. And the players with extensive history is detailed along with stats and other great side stories about them. There is even information on the teams in the Negro Leagues, which I found most interesting. I don't know of any other book that has as much information on the lesser-known players and behind-the-scenes people in the Negro Leagues than this one. If you are a Negro League fan, you probably already have this book. But if you are a baseball fan in general, you MUST have this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars An Essential Addition To The Bibliography Of The Negro Leagues, January 8, 2007

By	Jeff C. Dunford (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Exactly What It's title advertises - an alphabetical listings of players and personalities associated with the Negro Leagues of Baseball. Ranks with "Only the Ball Was White" and The works of John B.Holway as essntial to a study of the subject. Definitely recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars Celebrate The Legacy, December 18, 2006

By	Mr. Richard D. Coreno "Mr. C" (Berea, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Editor James A. Riley is a renowned expert on the rich history of Negro League Baseball. His crowning achievement is honoring more than 4,000 players and those involved in management between the years of 1872-1950 in this comprehensive biographical encyclopedia.

Included are biographies and statistics on each individual and team, a bibliography that lists the materials used in the research, along with a register of the interviews that Riley conducted.

The Negro Leagues had a major economic and social impact in the black community, featured some of the greatest players & teams that the sport has ever had and was an integrated business on the diamond, inside the front offices and in the stands.

I have always compared the play in the Negro Leagues v. the white MLB to that of the AFL v. NFL and ABA v. NBA; that it was on par or superior to the other major league. The encyclopedia is a celebration of the legacy left by those who not only challenged the institutionalized racial hatred of the times, but triumphed in ways that we can learn from and must never forget.