Examining Black baseball history: The Atlanta Black Crackers

"Although many records have been erased from history books, and notable players weren't given the credit they deserved to justify their talent, it's important to look and recognize that the Negro Leagues-formed by Andrew "Rube" Foster comprised of the National League (1920) and American League (1933)-were a major aspect of the game that today's system models aspects of, in terms of organization and talent."

"Starting as a predominantly minor league team in 1919, the Atlanta Black Crackers were first named the Atlanta Cubs. The team was comprised of college students from local universities and Historically Black Colleges (HBCUs) and was owned by business manager W.B. Baker. In contrast to the white baseball team named the Atlanta Crackers, fans adapted the name, which led the team to change it completely in 1922."

"The team joined the Negro Southern League (NSL)-a subcategory under the esteemed Negro Leagues-playing as the Black Sox in 1921 and as the Grey Sox when they returned in 1929. Known as a small but mighty team, they struggled with financial issues throughout their early years. They relied on donated equipment and uniforms from their white counterparts and raised money to increase salaries while traveling, though expenses often outpaced their resources, especially during the 1921 season."

Negro Leagues, formed by Andrew "Rube" Foster, included the National League (1920) and the American League (1933) and influenced modern baseball organization and talent evaluation. The Atlanta Black Crackers began in 1919 as the Atlanta Cubs and were composed largely of college students from local universities and Historically Black Colleges (HBCUs), owned by business manager W.B. Baker. Fans contrasted the team with the white Atlanta Crackers, prompting a name change in 1922. The team competed in the Negro Southern League under names like Black Sox and Grey Sox, faced chronic financial struggles, relied on donated equipment, and staged independent exhibitions to fund travel and salaries, but persistent instability limited long-term success.

Read at Battery Power