African American Baseball Players Photo, Morris Brown College, 1900

Very early photo of African American baseball players from Morris Brown College, with a boy and another older man standing near the door, Atlanta, Georgia. Taken 1900. The college was founded on January 5, 1881 as the Morris Brown Colored College.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, baseball was a popular sport in the United States, and African American communities across the country were active participants. However, due to widespread racial segregation, African American baseball players were often excluded from the professional leagues and instead formed their own teams and leagues. These teams and leagues were known as the "Negro Leagues," and they provided African American baseball players with the opportunity to showcase their skills and pursue their love of the game.

Despite facing many challenges and obstacles, the Negro Leagues were highly competitive and produced many talented players who went on to become legends of the game. Among these players were Hall of Famers such as Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and Jackie Robinson, who later broke the color barrier and became the first African American to play Major League Baseball in 1947.

Overall, the history of African American baseball players in the late 19th and early 20th centuries is a story of perseverance and determination, as they worked to overcome adversity and pursue their passion for the game. This photo offers a glimpse into the rich and vibrant culture of African American baseball and the contributions of African American players to the sport.