Negro Baseball League Talk Hits Westmont

Before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier more than 60 years ago, blacks were only allowed to play in the Negro Baseball League. Author Byron Motley will talk about this fascinating era in American sports history at a free lecture, “The Negro Baseball Leagues: An American Legacy,” Friday, Feb. 1, at 3:30 p.m. in Westmont’s Founders Dining Room Lounge. Refreshments will be served at 3:15 p.m.

Motley has a rare insight into the historic league because his father, Bob Motley, umpired in the Negro Leagues for several years. Motley authored “Ruling Over Monarchs, Giants and Stars: Umpiring in the Negro Leagues and Beyond,” a memoir of his father who called balls and strikes during games with such legends as Satchel Paige, Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks and Willie Mays.

Elena Yee, director of intercultural programs at Westmont, says Motley’s presentation is insightful, educational, amusing and moving.

“The Negro League was created and flourished because African-American baseball players simply weren’t allowed to intermingle with white players,” she says. “Today we see how athletics continues to reshape itself by increasing opportunities for minorities. It's important to remember that race and sports have always intertwined.”

Acclaimed producer/director Penny Marshall has reportedly agreed to produce Motley’s Negro League documentary and a screenplay about Negro League team owner and Hall of Fame inductee Effa Manley.

The lecture is sponsored by Westmont athletics, kinesiology and intercultural programs.