Hosted by: Johns Hopkins Univ Press & Morgan State University
Contact Person: Kathy Alexander
Contact Email: ka@press.jhu.edu
Contact Phone #: 410-516-4162
Johns Hopkins University Press in partnership with Morgan State University host a Book Launch: Discussion, and Book Signing Reception for The Baltimore Elite Giants: Sport and Society in the Age of Negro League Baseball written by Bob Luke
The Johns Hopkins University Press is proud to be publishing The Baltimore Elite Giants: Sport and Society in the Age of Negro League Baseball, by Bob Luke In his book, sociologist and baseball writer Luke narrates the untold story of the team and its interaction with the city and its people during the long years of segregation. He highlights important games, relives the standout performances of individual players, and discusses key decisions made by management. He introduces the team's eventual major league stars: Roy Campanella, who went on to a ten-year Hall of Fame career with the Brooklyn Dodgers; Joe Black, the first African American pitcher to win a World Series game and a Morgan State alumnus; and James "Junior" Gilliam, a player and coach with the Dodgers for twenty-five years.
The Elite Giants did more than provide entertainment for Baltimore's African-American residents; the team and its star players broke the color barrier in the major leagues, giving hope to an African American community still oppressed by Jim Crow. In recounting the history of the Elite Giants, Luke reveals how the team, its personalities, and its fans raised public awareness of the larger issues faced by blacks in segregation-era Baltimore. He also describes the often contentious relationship between the team and major league baseball before, during, and after the major leagues were integrated.
This event includes a discussion by the author, booksigning and reception. WEAA will also broadcast this event with host, Marc Steiner, host of WEAA's The Marc Steiner Show.
The book will be available for sale during this event.
