Black Diamonds

Bob Kendrick is joined by Ferguson "Fergie" Jenkins. They discuss his upbringing in Ontario as a multi-sport star, the influence of his father who once played for the semi-pro Chatham Coloured All-Stars, getting discovered by the Phillies at the age of 15, and becoming a dominant pitcher with the Cubs en route to 284 wins and a Hall of Fame career. 

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Chasing a record once thought to be unbreakable, Henry Aaron battled through discrimination and death threats to become the all-time home run king. As the man who threw the fateful pitch that resulted in #715, Al Downing joins Bob Kendrick to discuss that historic night on April 8, 1974.  And hear reflections from Dusty Baker – the man who was in the on-deck circle as history was made. 

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To support the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, please visit Donate | Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

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The stories and impact of the Black baseball experience continue to gain recognition. Bob Kendrick talks with President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Josh Rawitch, about its groundbreaking new exhibit in Cooperstown, "The Souls of the Game: Voices of Black Baseball." 

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Visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City - NLBM.com

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Almost 80 years later, Josh Gibson’s larger-than-life persona continues to inspire. Bob talks with Dorian Hairston, a former University of Kentucky baseball player, about the impact the stories of Josh Gibson had on him, and how they influenced his poetry.

Read “Pretend the Ball is Named Jim Crow: The Story of Josh Gibson” by Dorian Hairston - Amazon

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To support the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, please visit Donate | Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City - NLBM.com

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Bob Kendrick discusses the evolution of black leadership in baseball, beginning with the vision of Negro Leagues pioneer Rube Foster. He's joined by former Marlins GM and current MLB executive Michael Hill, whose Front Office & On-Field Diversity Pipeline Program is bringing in new, young talent into the game.

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To support the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, please visit Donate | Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City - NLBM.com

See and Support the Dream of the NEW Negro Leagues Baseball Museum - Pitch for the Future

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As the white owner of a Negro League baseball team, J.L. Wilkinson turned the Kansas City Monarchs into a model franchise. Over a dozen Hall of Famers wore the uniform as the Monarchs won 12 league titles and 2 Negro League World Series championships with star-studded rosters including the likes of Satchel Paige, Jose Mendez, Bullet Rogan, Buck O’Neil, and a young Jackie Robinson.

Bob Kendrick explores the legacy of the Monarchs and recognizes the first team to bring a championship to Kansas City with the grandson of J.L. Wilkinson, Ed Catron.

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To support the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, please visit Donate | Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City - NLBM.com

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The Negro Leagues were known for their brash, daring and exciting style of play. In this episode, Bob Kendrick discusses the speed, athleticism and bold base running that was routinely on display. He’s joined by Hall of Famer Tim Raines, whose own unique style was reminiscent of the Negro Leagues. 

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Bob Kendrick discusses the impact of the 1976 sports comedy film “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings”, loosely based on the barnstorming days of the Indianapolis Clowns. Bob remembers the life and legacy of James Earl Jones, who stars alongside Richard Pryor and Billy Dee Williams.  

Bob also talks with author William Brashler, whose fictional novel inspired the film, about his motivation for penning the book and its place in Negro Leagues lore.     

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To support the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, please visit Donate | Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City - NLBM.com

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Approximately 40 percent of Negro Leaguers were college educated – more than the players in the Major Leagues during that time. Bob Kendrick discusses the impact of black college baseball and how HBCU programs helped disprove the perception of that time that Negro League players didn’t have the intelligence required to play in the Major Leagues. How the college baseball programs acted as the minor leagues for the Negro Leagues and the impact the Negro League players had in their community following their playing careers.  

Bob also talks with Hall of Famer and Florida A&M alum Andre Dawson about being one of three HBCU alumni enshrined in Cooperstown and the influence the school had on his life and career.

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To support the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, please visit Donate | Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City - NLBM.com

See and Support the Dream of the NEW Negro Leagues Baseball Museum - Pitch for the Future

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The East-West All-Star Game was a showcase of baseball talent that drew fans from all over.  A game so grand, it consistently drew more fans than the MLB All-Star Game.  Bob Kendrick reflects on the origin of the East-West game, its impact on the community and talks about the legacy of the game with Tony Gwynn Jr. and Josh Barfield, two former players who participated in the East-West Classic game played at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown. 

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To support the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, please visit Donate | Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City - NLBM.com

See and Support the Dream of the NEW Negro Leagues Baseball Museum - Pitch for the Future

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