The League

Josh Gibson, “Cool Papa” Bell, and Oscar Charleston were among the very best professional baseball players of the 20th century, but they never played an inning of Major League Baseball because, until Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947, Black players were banned from what many called “organized baseball.” The League documents the experiences of players in the Negro Leagues—a description for the seven top leagues where Black professional baseball players could compete during the first half of the 20th century (Columbus teams included the Buckeyes and the Blue Birds).

Comprised of newly discovered archival footage and interviews with such diamond greats as Willie Mays, Monte Irvin, and Buck Leonard, The League traces the rich history of the players and businesspeople who created an exciting, successful, and independent sports industry at a time when nearly all walks of life were segregated by race. 

Sam Pollard hoped to join us in person, but due to unforeseen circumstances he will participate in a Q&A via Zoom for the July 21 screening. He last visited the Wex in 2017 in support of his film Two Trains Runnin’ (2016). The League was executive produced by Summer of Soul director Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson. (103 mins., DCP)

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The League, courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.