Frank Grant: The Life of a Black Baseball Pioneer

Frank Grant, the best black player of the 19th century, challenged baseball's color barrier in the 1880s to play for all-white professional teams, including the Cuban Giants. This first full-length biography documents Grant's career highlights, including successful games against Major League teams and at-bats against Hall-of-Fame pitchers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

Widely regarded as the finest black player of the 19th century, Hall of Famer Frank Grant dared to break the color barrier in baseball during the 1880s and compete for all-white professional teams. This first full-length biography chronicles Grant's remarkable career, showcasing his achievements, including standout performances against Major League teams and memorable at-bats against Hall of Fame pitchers. It delves into overlooked stories that have been buried for over a century, shedding new light on the early years of the Cuban Giants, the pioneering black professional baseball club.

Grant's journey to the professional baseball field was not without its challenges. Despite his exceptional skills, he faced discrimination and segregation, which prevented him from playing on integrated teams. However, his determination and talent shone through, and he eventually found a place on the all-white professional teams.

One of the most significant moments in Grant's career was his involvement in a legal battle for his services. Two of these teams, the Allegheny Athletic Association and the Columbus Solons, fought a fierce legal battle to secure Grant's services. The case went all the way to the Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of Grant, allowing him to play for the Allegheny Athletic Association.

Despite the obstacles he faced, Grant's talent and skill on the field were undeniable. He had a remarkable career, playing for several teams and achieving numerous milestones. He was a skilled batsman and a talented pitcher, and his performances against Major League teams were often awe-inspiring.

One of the most overlooked stories in Grant's career is the falsified anecdote that obscured one of his best games from history. According to the anecdote, Grant had a terrible game against the Brooklyn Atlantics, and he was criticized for his performance. However, new research has revealed that the anecdote is false, and Grant actually had a stellar game against the Atlantics. The game was one of the highlights of his career, and it showcased his incredible talent and skill on the field.

The Cuban Giants, the first black professional baseball club, also played a significant role in Grant's career. The team was founded in 1885, and it was a major force in the development of black baseball. Grant played for the Cuban Giants for several seasons, and his performances on the field helped to establish the team as a dominant force in the black baseball league.

In conclusion, Frank Grant's life and career are a testament to his incredible talent and determination. He challenged the color barrier in baseball and paved the way for future generations of black players to follow in his footsteps. His achievements on the field, his legal battles, and his contributions to the early years of black professional baseball are all worthy of recognition and celebration. This first full-length biography provides a comprehensive account of Grant's life and career, shedding new light on his remarkable journey to the top of the baseball world.

Weight: 363g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476684604