“Untold Story” of Negro Leagues Celebrated at Philadelphia Exhibit

Baseball celebrates its history arguably more than any other sport, but some of the most passionate fans of the sport still might not know the untold story of the Philadelphia Negro Leagues.

However, fans have the opportunity to discover the less-documented history of the local game with “A League Apart,” an exhibit at Cherry Street Pier open until August 24.

Carolyn Quick originally came up with the idea for “A League Apart” as part of a graduate school project at the University of the Arts.

While MLB statisticians work to incorporate the history of the Negro Leagues into their legacy, a city that played an irreplaceable role will bring recognition to a forgotten chapter of the game. 

The exhibit “showcases the importance of breaking barriers through the stories of the Philadelphia Negro Leagues and their ongoing legacy.”

It celebrates the players, owners, and teams who reversed the baseball traditions and enabled significant progress in professional sports.

Local baseball fans probably know the history of the Philadelphia Phillies. They’ve probably heard stories of Hall of Famer and Germantown native Roy Campanella.

They might’ve passed by the incredible mural art at Philadelphia Stars Negro League Memorial Park at 44th and Parkside Avenue, just a short ride down Belmont Ave. from 97.5 The Fanatic’s Bala Cynwyd studios.

However, Quick wants to expand that knowledge to include the untold story of the Philadelphia Negro Leagues. 

Octavius Catto and Ed Bolden became pioneers by creating opportunities for black players to play professionally despite the color ban in Major League Baseball.

Richard “Dick” Allen became of the most successful players in Phillies history despite facing serious racial discrimination during his professional career.

More recently, Mo’ne Davis carried on a legacy of major impact during a trip to the Little League World Series. 

“A League Apart” will showcase these four influential figures in local baseball history.

Learn their stories and enjoy limited-edition baseball cards during a trip to the exhibit.

Visit Cherry Street Pier on Columbus Blvd. below the Ben Franklin Bridge before August 24.

Admission is free, and guided tours are available.

The mid summer classic! Held in the middle of July, the MLB All-Star Game is a staple of the summer time because its time of the year where the four major sports arent active (in meaningful games.) Its when the best of the best get together in a meaningless game where everyone gets to play and most baseball fans dont seem to care.

I think the last time I actually watched the All-Star game was the last year that it counted for something. It was controversial, and many hated it, but the All-Star game deciding home field advantage in the World Series got me to tune in. At the time, the Phillies were good. So I was interested to see if they were to get to the World Series would they have home field advantage or not. Since 2017 the All-Star game hasnt mattered at all and I rarely tune in. But there is a point of pride when your team has multiple representatives.

As I write this (Thursday) there is still time for the Phillies to gain an extra representative because pitchers drop out last minute every year. As of right now the Phillies have one lone representative and its the very deserving Nick Castellanos. Castellanos has had a bounce back season hitting .310/.352/.514 with 40 extra base hits.

So Castellanos will represent the Phillies in 2023 but lets take a look back at the Phillies representatives of the past. Some of these will be a blast from the past since every team needs a representative and there were plenty of seasons where the Phillies were bad.

Nick Castellanos (outfielder)

Kyle Schwarber (outfielder)

Bryce Harper (outfielder)

JT Realmuto (catcher)

Zach Wheeler (starting pitcher)

MLB All Star Game was cancelled

JT Realmuto (catcher)

Aaron Nola (starting pitcher)

Pat Neshek (relief pitcher....it was a down year for the Phils)

Odubel Herrera (outfielder)

Jonathan Papelbon (relief pitcher)

Chase Utley (second basemen)

Domonic Brown! (outfielder)

Cliff Lee

Cole Hamels (starting pitcher)

Jonathan Papelbon (relief Pitcher)

Carlos Ruiz (Catcher)

Shane Victorino (outfielder)

Cliff Lee (starting pitcher)

Roy Halladay (starting pitcher)

Cole Hamels (starting pitcher)

Placido Polanco (third basemen)

Roy Halladay (starting pitcher)

Ryan Howard (first basemen)

Chase Utley (second basemen)

Jayson Werth (outfielder)

Chase Utley (second basemen)

Raul Ibanez (outfielder)

Shane Victorino (outfielder)

Ryan Howard (first basemen)

Chase Utley (second basemen)

Brad Lidge (relief pitcher

Chase Utley (second basemen)

Cole Hamels (starting pitcher)

Aaron Rowand (outfielder)

Chase Utley (second basemen)

Ryan Howard (first basemen)

Tom Gordon (relief pitcher)

Bobby Abreu (outfielder)

Jimmy Rollins (shortstop)

Billy Wagner (relief pitcher)

Bobby Abreu (outfielder)

Jim Thome (first basemen)

Randy Wolf (starting pitcher)

Scott Rolen (third basemen)

Jimmy Rollins (short stop)

Vicente Padilla (starting pitcher)

Jimmy Rollins (short stop)

Mike Liberthal (catcher)