Support provided by:
The Case:
Why was a baseball field named after an African-American ballplayer in a time of intense racial tension?
In 1949 America was a very different place. Racial segregation is widespread, and in Atlantic City, African-Americans aren’t even welcome on the city’s beaches. Yet only a mile away, a stadium is built to honor an African-American baseball player named Pop Lloyd.
Dubbed the "Black Wagner", John Henry "Pop" Lloyd was one of the greatest athletes of his time.
He was a famed shortstop in the Negro Leagues throughout the first three decades of the 20th century
What was the reasoning that led to this unlikely honor in a time of blatant prejudice and racial division?
The History Detectives go to the park to unearth the explanation.
Season 1, Episode 1
Season 2, Episode 10
Detective:
Tukufu Zuberi
Detective:
Gwen Wright
Location:Atlantic City, New Jersey
Related Content
Related Links
Explore
-
Related Investigation
Black Star Line
Is this certificate a rare artifact from the heyday of Marcus Garvey?
-
Also in Season 1
George Washington Portrait
Could this be an authentic portrait of the nation's first president?
-
Also in Season 2
Red Cloud's Peace Pipe
Was this pipe given to an Indian agent by the famous Lakota warrior Chief Red Cloud?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Hitler Films
Could these rusting film canisters contain unknown footage of one of the 20th century's most heinous murderers?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Special Agent Five
How did this tale of robbery and murder help FBI director J. Edgar Hoover consolidate his power?
-
Also in Season 2
Lewis & Clark's Cane
Was this family heirloom a gift from the famous explorers Lewis and Clark?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.
Anyone wishing to submit an artifact for investigation should do so through Submit a Story.
- Submit your StoryDo you have a Post War object? Submit your story now.
- Latest CommentI am tremendously happy i have come across this particular website. (18 hours ago)
- TwitterHappy Birthday, Bob Dylan! 71-y o today. Our premiere episode explores the Dylan guitar that changed R&R history. July 17, 9p/8p C. Watch! (2 days ago)
- FacebookIt wasn't until I sat in a class taught by Inez Turley at Mesa Community College that the study of the past became a passion for me. Who was the teacher that inspired you? --Eduardo (2 days ago)
Feature:
Feature:
Feature:
Blog Post:
Feature: