The Beginning of the End



old photograph of a baseball stadium full of people

Image obtained from IMSI's Master Photos Collection,
1895 Francisco Blvd. East, San Rafael, CA 94901-5506, USA

 

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It is quite ironic that the entrance of Jackie Robinson into the Major Leagues and the breaking of the color barrier was also the beginning the death of the Negro leagues.

 

By 1961, the Negro Leagues were no more. The superstars of the Negro Leagues signed with the major leagues and took their fans with them.

 

Gimmicks such as clowning and hiring female players were tried in vain to bolster attendance.

 

Teams such as the Monarchs returned to playing in small towns and rural areas. After selling off their best talent, they shut their doors in 1955.