The Chicago American Giants

Synopsis

In 1886, a semi-pro team known as the Union Baseball Club was founded in Chicago. Made up of black players under the leadership of Frank Leland, this team worked its way to the top of Chicago's semi-pro city league, an organization which otherwise included only white teams. In 1902, Leland recruited a talented young pitcher from Texas who brought with him not only incredible talent but an intense love of baseball and a knack for organization. It wasn't long before the pitcher, Rube Foster, established himself as one of the game's outstanding players, seized the leadership of the Union Baseball Club and founded the Chicago American Giants, a team that would dominate the early years of the Negro National League.

Covering the years 1870 to 1953, this rigorously researched history includes a detailed account of one of the Negro Leagues' most legendary teams and the baseball scene that gave rise to it. Beginning with its creation in 1911 through its decline and dissolution in the years immediately following integration of the white major leagues, the Chicago American Giants, its players and its games are covered in depth. Sources include contemporary newspaper articles—many from the Chicago Defender—and interviews with some of the last surviving players. A comprehensive biographical dictionary and detailed game log are included.