Investigations

Pop Lloyd Baseball Field

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. 

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Aired:
Season 1, Episode 1
Season 2, Episode 10

Detective:
Tukufu Zuberi Detective:
Gwen Wright Location:
Atlantic City, New Jersey

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