About the book
From an award-winning writer, the first linked history of African Americans and Latinos in Major League Baseball
After peaking at 27 percent of all major leaguers in 1975, African Americans now make up less than one-tenth--a decline unimaginable in other men's pro sports. The number of Latin Americans, by contrast, has exploded to over one-quarter of all major leaguers and roughly half of those playing in the minors. Award-winning historian Rob Ruck not only explains the catalyst for this sea change; he also breaks down the consequences that cut across society. Integration cost black and Caribbean societies control over their own sporting lives, changing the meaning of the sport, but not always for the better. While it channeled black and Latino athletes into major league baseball, integration did little for the communities they left behind.
By looking at this history from the vantage point of black America and the Caribbean, a more complex story comes into focus, one largely missing from traditional narratives of baseball's history. Raceball unveils a fresh and stunning truth: baseball has never been stronger as a business, never weaker as a game.
Editions of Raceball
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807021774
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807048054
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807048078
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807048061
Read an Excerpt
From an award-winning writer, the first linked history of African Americans and Latinos in Major League Baseball
After peaking at 27 percent of all major leaguers in 1975, African Americans now make up less than one-tenth--a decline unimaginable in other men's pro sports. The number of Latin Americans, by contrast, has exploded to over one-quarter of all major leaguers and roughly half of those playing in the minors. Award-winning historian Rob Ruck not only explains the catalyst for this sea change; he also breaks down the consequences that cut across society. Integration cost black and Caribbean societies control over their own sporting lives, changing the meaning of the sport, but not always for the better. While it channeled black and Latino athletes into major league baseball, integration did little for the communities they left behind.
By looking at this history from the vantage point of black America and the Caribbean, a more complex story comes into focus, one largely missing from traditional narratives of baseball's history. Raceball unveils a fresh and stunning truth: baseball has never been stronger as a business, never weaker as a game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Raceball about?
From an award-winning writer, the first linked history of African Americans and Latinos in Major League Baseball
After peaking at 27 percent of all major leaguers in 1975, African Americans now make up less than one-tenth--a decline unimaginable in other men's pro sports. The number of Latin Americans, by contrast, has exploded to over one-quarter of all major leaguers and roughly half of those playing in the minors. Award-winning historian Rob Ruck not only explains the catalyst for this sea change; he also breaks down the consequences that cut across society. Integration cost black and Caribbean societies control over their own sporting lives, changing the meaning of the sport, but not always for the better. While it channeled black and Latino athletes into major league baseball, integration did little for the communities they left behind.
By looking at this history from the vantage point of black America and the Caribbean, a more complex story comes into focus, one largely missing from traditional narratives of baseball's history. Raceball unveils a fresh and stunning truth: baseball has never been stronger as a business, never weaker as a game.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Raceball?
Sports and Active outdoor recreation > Ball sports / ball games > Baseball
Where can I read a sample of Raceball?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807021774
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Raceball?
Rob Ruck
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Raceball is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807021774) and hardcover(ISBN 9780807048054) and paperback(ISBN 9780807048078) and ebook(ISBN 9780807048061)
Where can I buy Raceball online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Raceball from below
Where can I buy Raceball?