"Probably the most comprehensive history of black baseball available in one book…a must-read for any student of the game." —Cincinnati Enquirer "Hogan sets the teams and leagues in the cultural and economic context of the black experience and the communities in which they played, broadening the book"s appeal to anyone interested in this fascinating chapter in American history." —The Christian Science Monitor "An outstanding tribute." —Linda Paige Shelby, daughter of Satchel Paige "An incredible story." —Bud Selig, Commissioner of Major League Baseball Celebrating African America"s contribution to our great national pastime, this comprehensive, lively history combines vivid narrative, visual impact, and newly discovered statistics to recreate the excitement and passion of the Negro Leagues. Packed with stories, biographical essays, scores of archival photographs, and other evocative artifacts, the book is an important contribution to sports history and a fitting tribute to legendary baseball stars such as Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, Martin Dihigo, Cool Papa Bell, and many more, who were shadowed by racial prejudice, but now shine forth in all their sparkling brilliance.