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

Gwen Wright

Atlantic City, New Jersey
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