Unit 11: Sports in America

No Good from Raising Race Issue

August 8, 1942 4. An editorial from 1942 issue of The Sporting News commenting on Robinson as the first black professional baseball player and the race issue.

There is no law against Negroes playing with white teams, nor whites with colored clubs, but neither has invited the other for the obvious reason they prefer to draw their talent from their own ranks and do not care to run the risk of damaging their own game. Other sports had their Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, Fritz Pollard and like notables, respected and honored by all races, but they competed under different circumstances from those dominating in baseball.

The baseball fan is a peculiar creature. We believe no one will question that fact. He deems it his inalienable right and privilege to criticize and jeer, in words that not always are the choicest or the most gentlemanly. Not even a Ted Williams or a Joe DiMaggio or a Babe Ruth is immune. It is not difficult to imagine what would happen if a player on a mixed team, performing before a crowd of the opposite color, should thrown a bean ball, strike out with the bases full or spike a rival. Clear-minded men of tolerance of both races realize the tragic possibilities and have steered clear of such complications because they realize it is to the benefit of each and also of the game.

However, there are agitators, ever ready to seize an issue that will redound to their profit or self-aggrandizement, who have sought to force Negro players on the big leagues, not because it would help the game, but because it gives them a chance to thrust themselves into the limelight as great crusaders in the guise of democracy. There would be as much point in the reverse being tried and an attempt made by Negro teams to bolster their lineups with white stars. It is not difficult to visualize what would happen in the latter case.

As it is, players of both races have been permitted to develop in their own environments and rise to the heights of stardom within their own circles. Proper tribute has been paid to Satchel Paige, for instance, as being a great pitcher. Whether he would be held in such esteem had he attempted to win his laurels elsewhere is problematical: The same is true of other Negro stars. They have blossomed forth with the inspiration of the encouragement and sympathy of their own followers. It is doubtful if the road would have been so easy otherwise.

As a result, the country has a great Negro major league, which draws heavy support from the colored folk. If its ranks were raised by the American and National leagues, with their tremendous resources, it would have fewer stars and the caliber of ball which has made it an attraction would be so lowered that the Negro loop, of necessity, would sink to the status of an inferior minor circuit, with consequent decline in enthusiasm by fans and prestige of performers.

Organized Negro baseball has become a million-dollar business annually and is beginning to emerge from the red-ink stage into the profit column. It would be a staggering blow should its leading players be drawn into the majors and, with them, its fan support. It is doubtful if the colored game could survive. Instead of gaining anything, Negro baseball would lose everything and without a medium for developing talent there would be no players, in a short time, who could make the grade, even if given the opportunity, in the American or National leagues, not to mention the minors.

Joe Bostic, sports columnist of the People's Voice, a Negro newspaper published in Harlem, commenting on the agitation, wrote: "While we are not against Negroes playing in the American or National leagues, at the very best, we are only lukewarm to the idea. Our reasons for this position are: (1) Our approach to the question is strictly mercenary; (2) We're deadly practical about the whole situation; (3) We're not convinced that the baseball played in the organized leagues necessarily represents the best caliber of ball played per se. We feel that the net results would be written in red ink on the ledgers of Negro baseball. On the second count of practicality, why subject any player to the humiliation and indignities associated with the problems of eating, sleeping and traveling in a layout dominated by prejudice-ridden southern whites?" And, he might have added, "The criticism of sometimes-cruel and hot-headed fans."

Or take Candy Jim Taylor of the American Giants, who has been playing with and managing Negro teams for almost a half-century. Taylor was quoted by Irv Kupcinet of the Chicago Daily Times: "We know there's no law against hiring colored boys in the majors. Just as there's no law against us hiring white boys for the American Giants. But we are going to stick to our colored boys and I know the majors are going to stick to the whites."

Of course, there are some colored people who take a different view, and they are entitled to their opinions, but in doing so they are not looking at the question from the broader point of view or for the ultimate good of either the race or the individuals in it. They ought to concede their own people are not protected and that nothing is served by allowing agitators to make an issue of a question on which both sides would prefer to be let alone.

John P. Carmichael of the Chicago Daily News relates a story that is especially pertinent and probably expressed the sentiment of clear thinkers on both sides: "There's still the story of Joe Louis, one of our favorite guys of all time, being interviewed in his Chicago home the morning after he whipped Jim Braddock for the heavyweight championship of the world," wrote Carmichael. "As the talk progressed, the fumes of pork chops on the fire assailed the nostrils of both men. Each allowed as how he could do with some. Quick as a flash, Louis set up a card table, arranged for one luncheon to be spread thereon.

"'If you'll excuse me,' he told the reporter, 'I'm gonna have lunch with some friends in the kitchen. When we get through we'll talk some more.'"

5. Magic Johnson and Big Bird

Magic Johnson joined Larry Bird as the two marquis players of the 1980s. They were forever linked after Magic's Spartans defeated Bird's Indiana State team to win the NCAA title in 1979. Magic was later named tournament MVP. Magic was the Number One pick in the draft in 1979 out of Michigan State, leaving as his school's all-time assists leader. Lakers' owner Jack Kent Cooke signed Magic to a 5 year deal worth 500,000 a year, the highest salary of a rookie to date … Bird later signed for $600,000 a year. He had an immediate impact on the league, but Larry Bird won rookie of the year honors. Magic led his Lakers to 5 NBA Championships in 1980, 1982, 1985 and back to back World Championships in 1987 and 1988. He was the Finals MVP in 1980, when he played every position for the team, and again in 1987. Even when he wasn't winning championships he was playing in the big games. Magic's Lakers finished as runner-ups in 1983, 1984, 1989 and 1991. As you can see, Magic's team only sat out of the NBA Finals in 1981, 1986 and 1990. Magic Johnson has individual honors as well, being a three time league MVP in 1987, 1989 and 1990. He is also a twelve time NBA all-star including the in 1990 and 1992 when he was named MVP of the game. He added an Olympic Gold Medal with the Dream Team to his other Championship titles in college and the NBA.

On April 15, 1991 Magic surpassed Oscar Robertson's assist record of 9,887. This record has since been broken by John Stockton, but Magic remains firmly entrenched at number two on the all-time list, being only the second player to reach 10,000. He stunned the world during the 1991-1992 season with his announcement of his retirement before the season began, due to testing positive to the HIV Virus. He made an appearance at the All-Star Game that year, winning the MVP honors with his 12th appearance and tenth start. He also made a failed comeback attempt and took over the Lakers as coach. In 1996 he made his return, looking like his old self again and leading the Lakers into the playoffs. Unfortunately, he retired again at the end of the year. Magic was named to the All-NBA Interview team in 1996 due in large part to the media hype associated with his return. As a last honor, before the Hall of Fame, Magic Johnson was named one of the 50 Greatest NBA Players of all time. In his retirement, Magic spends time with his wife Cookie and his son Earvin III. He also organized a team of ex-NBA stars and has been touring the Globe...another Harlem Globetrotters team I suppose.