The Jackie Robinson Era
Jackie Robinson was not the only player to face prejudice and racism throughout his career. Hundreds of other black players came in the years after him, slowly aat first, and then in a steady stream. Teams that initially refused to integrate put a serious handicap on themselves. The Boston Red Sox, who were the last team to sign a black player, won the pennant in 1946, the final year of all-white major league baseball. They did not win another pennant until 1967. In the thirteen seasons before the Red Sox finally signed a black player, eight black players won the National League Rookie of the Year Award, and nine were the National League MVP. No black player won either award in the American League. The two leagues were taking two separate approaches to the integration of baseball. The National League was more welcoming to the black players, urging them to play there because they would be more comfortable. American League teams paid more attention to white players, telling them that if they played in the American League, they would not have to deal with as many black players. Despite this,black baseball players continued to enter the major leagues. The early years of integration produced black stars like Larry Doby, Mudcat Grant, Ernie Banks, Satchel Paige, Monte Irvin, and countless others. All of these players fought to overcome racism and play profsessional baseball.