Protest flyer

BASEBALL

Item#: 58583 We're sorry, this item has been sold

Protest flyer
Protest flyer

“STRIKE OUT DISCRIMINATION IN BASEBALL!”

(BLACK AMERICANA) AMERICAN LABOR PARTY. Protest flyer. Bronx County: American Labor Party, [1953]. Single leaf, measuring 7-1/2 by 11 inches.

Original flyer from a 1953 demonstration held outside of Yankee Stadium held to protest management’s refusal to integrate the New York Yankees, accompanied by a contemporary magazine containing a lengthy story on the issue.

The original protest flyer, headlined, "Strike Out Discrimination in Baseball," implores baseball fans to protest the Yankees and to fight for the promotion of Vic Power (called "Vic Powers" on the flyer). Accompanying the flyer is a magazine containing an article by prominent African-American journalist, Alvin White, detailing management's resistance to the integration of their team and concentrating on the case of Vic Power, a strong hitter who, despite a batting average of .350, was consistently denied a tryout with the Yankees on the questionable grounds that he was a poor fielder. In fact, the problem with Power was more likely that he openly dated white women. Management attempted to quell the unrest by downplaying Power's talent. However, when the protests continued unabated, Yankees General Manager George Weiss traded Power to the Philadelphia As, where Power quickly established himself as the best first baseman in baseball, winning seven Gold Gloves and definitively proving that the Yankees' failure to promote him into the major leagues had nothing to do with his fielding ability. The Yankees did not attempt integration until over two years later. Also included is an issue of Confidential, containing an article entitled, "Ball Players Wanted—White Only."

Magazine fine. Fragile flyer about-fine, with only a few faint creases from folding and mild toning. An important and most desirable pair of items in exceptional condition.

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