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
Feature:
Feature:
Feature:
Blog Post:
Feature:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also in Post War: 1945-1960
Howard Hughes Crash
Was this the instrument that chartered Howard Hughes' near fatal plunge into Beverly Hills?
-
Related Investigation
Amos n' Andy Record
Is this aluminum record an early recording of the old-time radio series?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Teddy Roosevelt War Club
What could this strange object have to do with Teddy Roosevelt and his run for a third term presidency?
-
Also in Season 2
King Kong Camera
Was this old movie camera used to film the original version of King Kong?
-
Related Investigation
Natchez House
How did a free man of color come to own this house twelve years before emancipation?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Wartime Baseball
Is this baseball evidence of an unusual ballgame that took place during segregation?
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.