What do you think?
Rate this book
Spottswood Poles: A Baseball and American Legend
Between the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement, generations of African Americans struggled for dreams they would never be allowed to achieve, no matter their ability. That they persevered in the face of attitudes from white society, ranging from indifference to outright hatred, speaks to their courage and the power of the dreams they were brave enough to pursue.
One such dream―to play Major League Baseball―belonged to Spottswood Poles, whose life inspired this book. Once considered the best player in the Negro Leagues, he interrupted his career at its peak to fight with distinction in World War I. His reasoning was that if he displayed his undying love for America, America would have to love him in return. It was almost enough . . .
Twenty-five years before Jackie Robinson, Poles was poised to be “the one” who broke baseball’s color barrier. Denied his dream, he became a successful entrepreneur and remained a devoted husband to the only true love of his life. In his later years, Poles guided players with less talent but more opportunity than he enjoyed to the major leagues.
Spottswood Poles’s story is that of abiding faith in country, the power of true love, and the hope generated by a dream that won’t die. His life is not celebrated as it should be. But the forces it generated reverberate to this day and are the stuff of legend, a true American legend.
One such dream―to play Major League Baseball―belonged to Spottswood Poles, whose life inspired this book. Once considered the best player in the Negro Leagues, he interrupted his career at its peak to fight with distinction in World War I. His reasoning was that if he displayed his undying love for America, America would have to love him in return. It was almost enough . . .
Twenty-five years before Jackie Robinson, Poles was poised to be “the one” who broke baseball’s color barrier. Denied his dream, he became a successful entrepreneur and remained a devoted husband to the only true love of his life. In his later years, Poles guided players with less talent but more opportunity than he enjoyed to the major leagues.
Spottswood Poles’s story is that of abiding faith in country, the power of true love, and the hope generated by a dream that won’t die. His life is not celebrated as it should be. But the forces it generated reverberate to this day and are the stuff of legend, a true American legend.
256 pages, Paperback
Published August 2, 2022
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
September 1, 2022
This book was a compelling read on the life and times of Spottswood Poles, famous American baseball player. I am not a huge sports fan though if I had to choose a sport to follow, baseball would be it. I am a biography fan. This book paints the broader story of Mr. Poles life arch and would appeal to readers in either genre. Mr. Byard's story telling is engaging and the character portraits are well done. I learned a lot and gained perspectives on American life during the period of segregation in the 1900s. Half way through, I took a pause in reading, I was concerned about Mr. Poles and how he would fare once his athletic career ended. I just picked it up & finished. Mr Byard told a great story, start to finish about a truly remarkable man and sports legend. Well done.
Displaying 1 of 1 review