Hidden Treasure on Ebay

[Archive]

Posted By: Hal Lewis

In 1887, Fleetwood Walker, Bud Fowler, Frank Grant, Robert Higgins, George Stovey, and three other black players went to play in the newly organized International League. Playing in the International League was also difficult for blacks. Teams were comprised of both white and black players and the black players were often treated unkindly by the white players.

When Syracuse Stars left-handed pitching rookie Robert Higgins went to the mound to pitch his first game in the International League, the crowd yelled threats to kill him because he was black. His own teammates played poorly so that he would lose. Some of them also refused to have their picture taken with him.