8 Chapter 7 The Monarchs and the Negro Leagues

Chapter 7 The Monarchs and the Negro Leagues Jackie Robinson hadn't played baseball in years. Without a single day of practice, he was

thrown into a game, playing shortstop for the Monarchs! The Negro League games were very popular all through the Depression. Tickets were cheap. The players were amazing. The games were exciting. But the Negro Leagues didn't have as much money as the National League or the American League. For example, teams couldn't pay for spring training. Spring training gives players a chance to get in shape and improve their game. Black players had to gain skills during real games. The Monarchs were one of the best Negro League teams. To Jackie, though, it didn't seem professional. Also, he felt he didn't fit in. He knew he had a lot to learn from the other players. He tried his best. Still, he kept to himself. And he missed Rachel a lot. In the Negro Leagues, life on the road was rough. Teams never stayed in the same city for more than a day. In some places, there were no black hotels. Players had to sleep on the bus or outside in the ballpark.

Once, the team bus stopped for gas in Mississippi. That was okay. But the white owner wouldn't let the men use the restroom. Jackie stepped forward. He told the Monarchs' driver not to fill the tank. They could buy gas somewhere

else. The owner didn't want to lose money. He backed down and opened the restroom. By late August, Jackie was wondering what to do next. He didn't know it, but one of his dreams was about to come true!

STARS OF THE NEGRO LEAGUES SATCHEL PAIGE (1906-1982) SATCHEL PAIGE IS REGARDED AS THE BEST PITCHER IN NEGRO LEAGUE HISTORY. SOME WOULD SAY HE'S THE BEST PITCHER EVER. HE PLAYED FOR A NUMBER OF NEGRO

LEAGUE TEAMS—INCLUDING THE MONARCHS WITH JACKIE ROBINSON. ONE SEASON, PAIGE PITCHED SIXTYFOUR CONSECUTIVE SCORELESS INNINGS. FINALLY, IN 1948, HE BECAME THE OLDEST ROOKIE IN THE MAJORS, PLAYING FOR THE CLEVELAND INDIANS. HE WAS ELECTED INTO THE HALL OF FAME IN 1971. JOSH GIBSON (1911-1947)