A Fly in a Pail of Milk: The Herb Carnegie Story

by Herb Carnegie

Revised and updated with commentary from Bernice Carnegie, Herb’s daughter, and life lessons passed from father to daughter Herbert Carnegie was the complete hockey package in the 1940s and 1950s. Though his contributions to society both in sport and education have been referenced and profiled in books, documentaries, and thousands of articles, this is Carnegie’s own account of striving to break the glass ceiling, starting with his career as a professional hockey player on all-white teams. In 1978, noted hockey journalist Stan Fischler wrote a powerful headline about “Born Too Soon.” A Fly in a Pail of Milk reveals the feelings of a trailblazer ― a man who proved to be unstoppable on the ice and in his resolve to make our world a better place. In this new edition, Herb’s daughter Bernice Carnegie shares stories about what it was like to work closely with Herb on youth and educational projects for more than 30 years. She also reflects on parts of her father’s writings, sharing personal thoughts, family stories, and conversations about how his journey profoundly influenced her life.

Genres: Sports, Hockey, Memoir, Biography, Biography Memoir, Audiobook

204 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Samuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Herb Carnegie was a professional hockey player for the Quebec Aces in Quebec City. He never made it to the NHL due to racism.

He was good enough to have played for the Toronto Maple Leafs but they would not break the colour barrier.. as Conn Smythe (maple leafs owner) said "I would take Carnegie tomorrow for the Maple Leafs if someone can turn him white."

I wish more people know about his story, need to find myself a herb Quebec Aces jersey!

His impact was larger than any award given to him.

[Joanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd give anyone $10,000 if he could turn Herb Carnegie white."

This quote from Conn Smythe was how I came to learn of Herb Carnegie. It's a shame that this book isn't more popular and better edited to do justice to Carnegie's story, because it's a remarkable one and deserves it. You don't even have to flip open the book to find errors - the above quote on the back is credited to Conn Smyth. That's ridiculous. The overall project feels haphazardly put together, but nothing can take away the strength of Herb Carnegie's voice.

The tale of Herb Carnegie began like you'd expect of many hockey players back in the day. He grew up watching Hockey Night in Canada in North York and spent many hours outdoors on the ice, skating and practicing his skills. One day, if he keeps at it, he'll be good enough to play in the NHL. Race surely wouldn't play a part in it if he was good enough, he believed. Foster Hewitt was going to announce his name on a TV broadcast someday.

He was definitely good enough. Carnegie moved up the ranks to play in the Quebec Provincial League and won MVP accolades, yet never got called up to play until the New York Rangers invited him to camp in 1948, well past the age where players of his stature would be entering the league. He ended up only getting an invite to the minors, not the NHL team, and declined. That quote from Conn Smythe was actually when Carnegie played for the Young Rangers Junior A club in Toronto back in the 1930s, seeing him on the ice at Maple Leaf Gardens. That dashed his hopes of playing for the Leafs.

There's no sugarcoating any of this. Carnegie acknowledges the racism he faced as he played the game and like you'd expect, had regrets that his dream didn't pan out, but did so much more after putting up his skates. He spent time with his family, had a new career, started the Future Aces foundation to help kids, excelled in golf, and basically lived his life to the fullest.

I was fortunate enough to find a copy of this at the library because it's out of stock everywhere, even online. With the lack of good hockey books out there, this one shouldn't be forgotten.

[John Chidley-Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my goals for 2020 is to read a more diverse set of authors, whether it's race, gender, or sexual orientation. I also want to read more genres, again, in an effort to broaden my horizons.

I got a preview of copy of this book through work with an additional 100 pages by Bernice Carnegie, Herb Carnegie's daughter. I was pleased to read this book and learn about Herb Carengie's life, his accomplishments in hockey and golf and the racism he faced in 1950s Toronto -- as a bonus, we went to the same high school!

Full disclosure, however: as accomplished as the Carnegies are, they are not gifted writers. Although Herb Carnegie's story is incredibly important, neither he nor his daughter are gifted storytellers and it can be a bit of a slog.

[Michael Kitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upon reflection, this is a challenging book. Though Carnegie had achieved so much during his life, the dream of being a professional hockey player was denied solely because of the color of his skin. The statistics don't lie (except for when he was denied the 1948 scoring title by two points as the "winner," Tony Demers, racked up assists in games when he was recuperating from an injury in the hospital), nor do the legends, like Jean Beliveau who Carnegie played with on the Quebec Aces of the Quebec Senior League and believed Carnegie had the skill to play in the NHL. The ugly disease of racism prevented him from playing in the NHL.

His achievements in other areas demonstrated Carnegie's resolve, which is inspiring. But the barrier that prevented him from his hockey dream remained with him, as it does the reader.

The book is written in a conversational style - as if Carnegie is sitting with you, telling his story - which does create some sluggishness. And I'll confess that though he had a successful career in golf, I was lost through a lot of it because I couldn't relate to the golf stories and details.

Criticism aside, it's a compelling story that is worth the read.

[Bob Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A True star and gentleman - will finally get his reward

Herb Carnegie’s name belongs along side Robinson, Mays, Ruth, Richard and arguably in larger type than one of my childhood heroes, Willie O’Ree. Unfortunately for Carnegie - and all of us - the world was simply less evolved then so he never got his chance to shine in the NHL.
This book is ponderous at times - first Herb tells his story, then his daughter retells it - but perhaps that is OK. His life and how he lived it is that important. And todays hockey stars, black, but also others of all races and cultures, have it so much better because of founders like Carnegie and O’Ree.
His legacy needs to be understood and celebrated. I’m pleased the Hockey Hall of Fame has finally done the right thing and will induct him as a Builder in the Hall’s 2022 class. It’s about time.
I’m an old, white American - just the type who needs to know the reality that Carnegie faced so that we can do as he did, move forward and treat our fellow humans with dignity and respect.
This book needs to be read and it’s message internalized.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I read Herb Carnegie's story, I could not help but think about all of the other "not Jackie Robinsons" who excelled in their sports but were never allowed to compete at the highest level due to racism. When we celebrate black achievement and those who have broken the color line, it is critical to consider people like Carnegie who never had the chance.
Carnegie's story is thoughtful and introspective. There is a conversational tone that permeates this book and allows the reader to take in the well-detailed elements of Carnegie's life, ambitions, and disappointments. This book is a solid sports autobiography, lower league hockey history, and educational about race and racism in Canada.

[Dave Cottenie · Rating 3 out of 5]

“A Fly In a Pail of Milk” is an interesting look at the career of Herb Carnegie, more of a what if story than anything else. A player that should have been the first black player in the NHL, Carnegie tells of his childhood in rural Toronto and his journey through hockey and life. Essentially this is two books in one, as Carnegie writes the first half and then his daughter Bernice provides a different perspective in the second half. Both have some high points, but both also drag at times. When the subject turns to golf in the first half, the story nearly grinds to a halt. A bit of a fresh perspective is delving into the areas that made Carnegie special, really his post-hockey career developing, building and implementing the Future Aces program which proved to be his real legacy. Probably should have been shorter and definitely drags at times, but an important and interesting story.

[Poppy Fitzgerald-Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating account of an extraordinary life and a great read for anyone interested in hockey and hockey culture.
Herb Carnegie is honest and charming, I loved learning about the inception of the first all-Black professional hockey line, brushes with the NHL, and stories of Herb’s family and team mates.
Not gonna lie, I didn’t read/listen to the addition by Berniece Carnegie since I was specifically interested in Herb’s autobiography.

Listened to the audiobook, Leon Nixon was a wonderful narrator.

[Charlie Chapple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gets through his hockey career as a player very early. But really awesome to learn about this legend!

[Dorothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

great story!

[Njeri S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read.

[Brother Phillip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story that suffers from poor editing and lots of typos. Still worth the read.