From Honolulu to Brooklyn: Running the American Empire's Base Paths with Buck Lai and the Travelers from Hawai'i

From 1912 to 1916, a group of baseball players from Hawai ʻ  i, known as the Travelers, barnstormed the U.S. mainland, becoming more multiethnic and multiracial with players possessing Chinese, Japanese, Hawaiian, and European ancestries. They traveled more miles and played in more ball parks than any other group of their time, dominating college opponents and holding their own against top-flight white and black independent teams. A team leader and star Buck Lai gained fame in independent baseball on the East Coast, while former teammates ran base paths and ran for political office as they confronted racism and colonialism in Hawai ʻ  i.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 16 September 2022
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

From 1912 to 1916, a remarkable group of baseball players from Hawai ʻi embarked on a barnstorming tour across the U.S. mainland. Initially, the team consisted solely of Chinese players, but as their journey progressed, they became increasingly diverse, with players hailing from various ethnic backgrounds, including Chinese, Japanese, Hawaiian, and European. The experiences of the Travelers as a group and as individuals remain a largely overlooked and marginalized aspect of baseball and sports history. It is argued that they traveled far and wide, visiting more ball parks in the American empire than any other group of players of their era.

Outside of the major leagues, the Travelers were undoubtedly the most famous nine of the 1910s. They dominated their college opponents and held their own against top-flight white and black independent teams. Their success was a testament to their talent and determination.

After their remarkable journey, a team leader and star player named Buck Lai gained fame in independent baseball on the East Coast of the U.S. Meanwhile, former teammates pursued careers in politics, running for office and confronting racism and colonialism in Hawai ʻi.

The Travelers' story is a captivating reminder of the rich history of baseball and the diverse contributions of players from different backgrounds. Their journey not only showcased their athletic prowess but also their resilience and determination in the face of adversity. It is a testament to the power of sports to bring people together and inspire change.

Weight: 398g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978829251