Bob is just off his very well received and interesting appearance at the Frederick Ivor-Campbell 19th Century Base Ball Conference where he gave his presentation entitled "Forgotten Civil Rights Icon: Octavious V. Catto”. He will be giving a reprise of that presentation this evening!
A philosopher, Jacques Barzun once said that to understand the heart and mind of America, one must understand baseball, and Octavius Catto is emblematic of that truism. He help create in 1865 one of the best baseball clubs in the country as the national pastime swept the country after the Civil War. He was captain of the Pythians, a club that quickly demonstrated its prowess by winning almost all games even against rivals from Washington, D.C. where baseball was also flowering. The Pythians were so good that they challenged White clubs and while they lost the first integrated game, they won the second. He sought to break one color barrier by seeking admission to the league of organized baseball. His club was excluded, leading to the formal creation of the color barrier in baseball and the first attempt to create what became the Negro Leagues.
What a great program and Q & A session. This era of baseball is an era I know nearly nothing about, and it shows throughout the video. I'd like to thank Bob for imparting his knowledge. Hopefully, this another enjoyable video for all! For more information on how to #JoinSABR, go to sabr.org/join today!
25 июн 2024
