AISMS Officially Launches “The African-American Experience in Major League Baseball”

PRESERVING HISTORY THROUGH REVOLUTIONARY PROJECT: AISMS LAUNCHES “THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN EXPERIENCE IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL”

At face value, baseball is a simple game: a pitcher throws the ball, an eager batter swings for the fences, and fielders scramble to tag the runner out. Its objectives are clear, as are the means to secure a win. Beneath the surface, however, baseball has complex and unexamined roots ingrained deeply in the threads of American society. The game has evolved over time, witnessing and mirroring the social changes we have experienced as a country.  

History textbooks have focused on the civil rights movement from many angles, and sports fans understand the significant accomplishments of pioneers like Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby. What many people do not realize is that hundreds of players over several decades lived through these pivotal moments, yet their personal stories are largely undocumented to this day. 

The University of Southern California’s Annenberg Institute of Sports, Media & Society (AISMS) recognizes the importance of preserving the histories of these players. To shed light on  unique and compelling perspectives on the many faces of civil rights, AISMS has launched “The African-American Experience in Major League Baseball.”

Currently, AISMS is conducting interviews with notable players such as James “Mudcat” Grant, Ollie Brown, and Al Downing with the cooperation of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the MLB Players Alumni Association. Set to be housed at the University of Southern California, the compiled digital library will be the first of its kind. 

Undertaking a project of this magnitude requires resources to put towards research, preservation of recordings, and the housing of the digital library. Scholars, preservationists and librarians are prepared to maintain this important collection for years to come. 

Together, we can ensure that these stories endure as a living, breathing part of our country’s history. Help make a mark on the future by preserving the past. 

AISMS accepts and greatly appreciates donations towards the continued growth of this project.  Please email for more information on ways to get involved.