Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Many people may not realize that segregation affected sports in this country as well. African Americans who wished to play baseball could not do so in organized leagues until 1920 when the Negro National League was born. The Negro National League began with nine teams. It was often not a smooth road, but the League continued until 1946 when the Dodgers made history by signing Jackie Robinson who became the first African American to play profession major league baseball in America. With the continuing integration in the major leagues the Negro League baseball teams dwindled and within a few years became completely defunct. The fight by the players, managers, supporters, and organizers for inclusion and equality is a vital part of our history.

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a valuable asset to all Americans, an interesting resource for those who love the game of baseball and vital reminder for all of how far we have come. Located in Kansas City , Missouri at 1616 East 18th street the museum is open every day except Mondays. Admission is $6.00 for adults, $2.50 for children under 12 years of age and those 5 years of age and younger are not charged.

The museum houses a treasure of Negro League baseball history. Not a hall of fame but more so a history of all the teams, the era in which they played and the events that affected the evolvement of the league.

There are hundreds of items which include photographs, manuscripts, touch screen computer exhibits and art. There are also many short film exhibits which greatly add to the experience. There is additionally a documentary film narrated with the resonant voice of James Earl Jones which includes vintage footage . One of the favorite exhibits is that of the Field of Legends. A mock up of a baseball diamond with life size bronze statues of players . The players are Rube Foster, Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, Buck Leonard, Pop Lloyd, Judy Johnson, Ray Dandridge, Cool Papa Bell, Oscar Charleston, Leon Day, Martin Dihigo and Buck O'Neil. Ten of the above mentioned players were honored by the National Baseball League Hall of Fame.

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a must see and you can take some history home with you by stopping by the museum store. There you will find souvenirs and memorabilia such as DVDs, postcards, baseball cards, books, pennants, photographs, baseball caps, jerseys, sweatshirts and more.

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

1616 East 18th street

Kansas City, Missouri