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ImageNation & HARLEM WEEK have presented outdoor screenings for 12 years. This year, join us online! Today’s films, in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the Negro Baseball League, are the documentaries Life in the Negro Leagues; John Donaldson: Legacy Restoration; Out of the Shadows: Remembering the Negro Leagues; Pride & Perseverance: The Story of the Negro Leagues; Black Ball - The Players of the Negro Baseball Leagues; and Negro Baseball League.
Black Ball: A Cinematic Tribute to the Negro Baseball Leagues
A cinematic tribute to the Negro Baseball Leagues, the Black Ball sidebar includes the following documentaries: Life in the Negro Leagues: There Was Always Sun Shining Someplace (Narrated by James Earl Jones); John Donaldson: Legacy Restoration; Out of the Shadows: Remembering the Negro Leagues; Pride & Perseverance: The Story of the Negro Leagues (narrated by Dave Winfield); Black Ball - The Players of the Negro Baseball Leagues; and NEGRO LEAGUES BASEBALL 1946: Reece "Goose" Tatum, Indianapolis Clowns, Kansas City Monarchs.
We hope you enjoy this tribute and leave with a new appreciation for this unique aspect of African-American history.
Featured Documentaries
Life in the Negro Leagues: There Was Always Sun Shining Someplace Narrated by James Earl Jones
SYNOPSIS: This monumental and poignant documentary tells the forgotten story of black star-quality athletes excluded from professional baseball because of the big league’s official boundary, the color.
John Donaldson: Legacy Restoration - The Donaldson Network Films
SYNOPSIS: John Wesley Donaldson was known as "The Greatest Colored Pitcher in the World," when he played baseball from 1908-1940.
His career was lost to history behind the "Color Line."
Out of the Shadows: Remembering the Negro Leagues
SYNOPSIS: From archival interviews with Negro League legends Buck O'Neil and Monte Irvin to commentary from contemporary baseball figures lJoe Torre, Curtis Granderson, Tony Clark and Rob Manfred, Newsday examines the history of Negro League baseball the breaking of the color barrier.
Pride & Perseverance: The Story of the Negro Leagues (2009) narrated by Dave Winfield
SYNOPSIS: MLB Productions created this documentary which features archival footage, interviews with former Negro League players, and narration by Hall of Famer Dave Winfield.
Black Ball - The Players of the Negro Baseball Leagues
SYNOPSIS: What If histories stir the imagination, leaving people wondering how their lives could have been different if alternative decisions had been made. History and sports fans alike will find the What If of the major leagues being integrated long before Jackie Robinson a fascinating option to consider. And, how would twenty-one stars of the black ball era (Negro Leagues and independent black teams) like to be honored? Bob May discusses his acclaimed book, The Best Season, the First Ninety Games. Special appearance by Dr. William Blair Jr., Pitcher from the Cincinnati Crescents and Indianapolis Clowns.
NEGRO LEAGUES BASEBALL1946 : Reece "Goose" Tatum, Indianapolis Clowns, Kansas City Monarchs
Synopsis: For half a century African American baseball players had their own leagues. These rare pieces of unedited silent footage of Negro American League players, shot in September 1946 at Cincinnati's Crosley Field, focus on the amazing Reece Goose Tatum (1921 - 67) of the Indianapolis Clowns. Tatum and his teammates warm up with comic routines followed by a game against the Kansas City Monarchs.