Before You Can Say Jackie Robinson

Dr. Larry Hogan and Mr. Kevin Kane will present the program “Before You Can Say Jackie Robinson: Black Baseball in America in the Era of the Color Line" on February 17th at 7:30pm at Shady Rest Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Road in Scotch Plains. This event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be provided. Please note this is a change of venue and date from an earlier article due to unforeseen circumstances.

Dr. Larry Hogan is a Professor of History Emeritus from Union County College, where he taught African American History for 37 years. He is the author of several works on this topic, including The Forgotten History of African-American Baseball. Dr. Hogan was the Executive Director of the documentary Before You Can Say Jackie Robinson: Black Baseball in American in the Era of the Color Line. The current program, which features exhibits, has been shown throughout the country. According to John Thorn, official historian for MLB, “Historian Larry Hogan basks in baseball’s shadowed fields. He is a national treasure.”

Although black professional baseball began in the 1880s and ended shortly after Hall of Fame player Jackie Robinson entered the game, there is little public awareness of this important history. Dr. Logan’s program affirms the importance of this history, and its great players, while explaining the historical context and barriers faced by these heroes. Selections from the documentary Dr. Hogan directed will be played, and Mr. Kevin Kane will also present his poem “Breaking the Line with the Mudville Nine.” Mr. Kane is a writer, musician, and playwright. His Negro League poetic response to poem “Casey at the Bat” has been performed at the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

This public program is sponsored by the College Club of Fanwood-Scotch Plains. To join the club, which is a nonprofit raising scholarship funds for local women, or to learn more information about donating to the club, please visit our website at: fspcollegeclub.org.