Sports: On the Baseball Field
Baseball has brought together people from diverse cultures throughout the last century, but until the mid-1900s major league baseball was a segregated game. The all-American game has reflected the nation’s major issues and debates about race and ethnicity. The game has been one way for immigrants and those facing discrimination to negotiate what it means to be American.
All-American Game
Baseball reflects social, political, and cultural issues in the United States, but also made an impact on them. It united people from different backgrounds and provided one way for immigrant groups to seek acceptance.
Helmet used by Carl Yastrzemski, around 1970s
Gift of Carl Yastrzemski
A Segregated Game
Before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947, the exclusion of African Americans from major league baseball reflected racial segregation across the United States. The Negro Leagues offered African Americans the opportunity to play ball.
Baseball cleats worn by Jimmie Crutchfield, around 1949–1950
Gift of Jimmie Crutchfield
Batting helmet worn by Buck Leonard, around 1953–1955
Gift of Walter F. Leonard
