Beginning in 1933, the best players in the leagues competed in an all-star game at Chicago’s Comiskey Park. Crowds of people came to see their favorite players. Between 20,000 and 50,000 fans attended the games.

Black baseball stars were popular. But, they faced the same hardships as other blacks in the United States. Players weren’t welcome in many restaurants or hotels. They often had to sleep in their buses. Sometimes they slept along the roadside. Segregation still affected their lives.

Combining Teams

The major leagues opened to black players in 1947. Soon the black teams began to shut down. All of their best players were leaving. By the early 1960s, no all-black teams were left in the United States.

SATCHEL PAIGE

Satchel Paige helped the Cleveland Indians win the World Series in 1948. In 1971, he was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Black teams often rode buses on barnstorming trips.