The Early Image of Black Baseball: Race and Representation in the Popular Press, 1871-1890

by James Edward Brunson, James Edward Brunson III

This volume examines early black baseball as it was represented in the artwork and written accounts of the popular press. From contemporary postbellum articles, illustrations, photographs and woodcuts, a unique image of the black athlete emerges, one that was not always positive but was nonetheless central in understanding the evolving black image in American culture. Chapters cover press depictions of championship games, specific teams and athletes, and the fans and culture surrounding black baseball.

232 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 2009

Reviews

[Keith Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brunson’s work delves deep into the rich history of Blackball in the 19th century. A field that begs for deeper analysis, now has a work that uses Brunson’s keen insights into pictorial analyses of images associated with Black baseball to enlighten readers. His ability to analyze Blackball as part of the Black sporting community during the post-Antebellum Era & Gilded Age brings the reader on a journey through the muddied historical waters of the late 19th century. A must read for true fans of America’s pastime.

[Catherine Mustread · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author interviewed on Baseball by the Book podcast 031620.

[Malcolm · Rating 3 out of 5]

review to follow - and the rating may change with that