“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.
Celebrating The Philadelphia Negro Leagues
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.
Looking for a fun and free activity to do this summer in Philadelphia? Check out “A League Apart: Showcasing the Legacy of Philadelphia Negro League Baseball,” at Cherry St Pier.
— Shibe Vintage Sports (@ShibeSports) July 6, 2023
Measure up to Slim Jones. ➡️: https://t.co/jwpPEW95ro pic.twitter.com/Pl9rpMpLen
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.
The Untold Story of Philadelphia Baseball
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.
“You hear the names Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb, but what about the stories of Philadelphia Stars’ Mahlon Duckett and ‘Slim’ Jones? In this exhibit, we highlight why the Negro Leagues are important, their formation, and their ongoing legacy so that people today can have a complete history of America’s pastime.” -Carolyn Quick
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.
Every Phillies All Star Since 2000
2023
Nick Castellanos (outfielder)
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
2022
Kyle Schwarber (outfielder)
Bryce Harper (outfielder)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
2021
JT Realmuto (catcher)
Zach Wheeler (starting pitcher)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
2020
MLB All Star Game was cancelled
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
2019
JT Realmuto (catcher)
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
2018
Aaron Nola (starting pitcher)
(Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
2017
Pat Neshek (relief pitcher….it was a down year for the Phils)
(Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)
2016
Odubel Herrera (outfielder)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
2015
Jonathan Papelbon (relief pitcher)
(Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
2014
Chase Utley (second basemen)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
2013
Domonic Brown! (outfielder)
Cliff Lee
(Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
2012
Cole Hamels (starting pitcher)
Jonathan Papelbon (relief Pitcher)
Carlos Ruiz (Catcher)
(Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
2011
Shane Victorino (outfielder)
Cliff Lee (starting pitcher)
Roy Halladay (starting pitcher)
Cole Hamels (starting pitcher)
Placido Polanco (third basemen)
(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
2010
Roy Halladay (starting pitcher)
Ryan Howard (first basemen)
Chase Utley (second basemen)
(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
2009
Jayson Werth (outfielder)
Chase Utley (second basemen)
Raul Ibanez (outfielder)
Shane Victorino (outfielder)
Ryan Howard (first basemen)
(Photo by Len Redkoles/Getty Images)
2008
Chase Utley (second basemen)
Brad Lidge (relief pitcher
(Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
2007
Chase Utley (second basemen)
Cole Hamels (starting pitcher)
Aaron Rowand (outfielder)
(Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)
2006
Chase Utley (second basemen)
Ryan Howard (first basemen)
Tom Gordon (relief pitcher)
(Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
2005
Bobby Abreu (outfielder)
Jimmy Rollins (shortstop)
Billy Wagner (relief pitcher)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw /Getty Images)
2004
Bobby Abreu (outfielder)
Jim Thome (first basemen)
(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
2003
Randy Wolf (starting pitcher)
(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
2002
Scott Rolen (third basemen)
Jimmy Rollins (short stop)
Vicente Padilla (starting pitcher)
Mandatory Credit: Ezra O. Shaw /Allsport
2001
Jimmy Rollins (short stop)
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
2000
Mike Liberthal (catcher)
Mandatory Credit: Donald Miralle/ALLSPORT
