We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball

"We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball" by Kadir Nelson chronicles the history of Negro league baseball, which existed primarily from the 1920s to the late 1940s. During this era, African American baseball players were excluded from Major League Baseball (MLB) due to a color bar. The Negro leagues comprised several associations, including the Negro National League and the Negro American League. Despite facing financial instability and discrimination, these leagues showcased immense talent and provided a vital platform for Black athletes. The book highlights the struggles and triumphs of these players, culminating in the eventual integration of baseball in the late 1940s, beginning with Jackie Robinson's debut in 1947. MLB officially recognized the Negro leagues as major leagues in 2020.123456