Baseball's Leading Lady

December 1, 2020
A smart and determined woman becomes an unlikely influence in baseball's Negro Leagues. Effa Brooks came of age in the early 20th century as baseball was becoming the leading sport in the United States. A passionate baseball fan and Black civil rights activist, she married Abe Manley, a businessman. As baseball evolved and racial segregation became entrenched within it, African Americans developed their own teams and leagues, such as the Negro National League through which Effa and Abe acquired a franchise for the Brooklyn Eagles. Effa's activism had honed her abilities as a manager, and after early struggles, the Manleys were able to make progress, moving the team to Newark and winning the 1946 Negro World Series. However, the integration of Major League Baseball undercut the leagues that had nurtured African American baseball players; they could not survive the loss of stars and fans. Effa's role at this critical time in American sports, as a light-skinned Black woman who was able to get jobs reserved for Whites but who believed in Black unity, is an interesting one, as she used her personality and position to fight racism and sexism. The narrative presents substantial historical context about baseball and society, sometimes overwhelming Effa's individual story. However, it does provide keen insight into the intersections of race, sports, business, and the efforts of those like her who challenged these powerful forces. A fascinating contribution to baseball and racial history. (author's note, endnotes, bibliography, photo credits, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)

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January 1, 2021
Grades 8-12 Placing sports history within a larger context, this book provides biographical information about Effa Manley, the Black business manager and co-owner of the Newark Eagles, while tracing the story of the Negro leagues from their nineteenth-century beginnings to their final years. The discussion most fully explores the tumultuous 1940s, including Jackie Robinson's breakthrough into the major leagues, which led to the recruitment of other outstanding players from the Negro leagues (usually without compensating the teams) and the subsequent collapse of the leagues. Williams convincingly portrays Manley as a smart, savvy, dauntless Black woman who was passionate about her work and about creating opportunities for others in her community. The writing shifts focus according to the subject at hand, precisely describing pivotal plays during baseball games, as well as offering broad perspectives on topics such as the Great Migration. The appended source-notes section meticulously documents information and quotes within the text. Occasional archival photos illustrate the book. A well-organized, detailed introduction to Effa Manley, who was the first woman inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

COPYRIGHT(2021) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.