African-American heroes of our past who sacrificed their lives and careers for the benefit of those to come. Athletes such as Jackie Robinson, Curt Flood, Rube Foster, Althea Gibson, Jack Johnson, Earl Lloyd, Chuck Cooper and Kenny Washington.
The Black Barons roster consisted of players from the industrial leagues of Alabama. They played their home games at Rickwood Field, which still stands and is the oldest professional ballpark in the United States.
Youth organizations such as the CYO were planning to boycott the 1947 season if Durocher managed the team due to the poor example he was providing youths. Despite these issues off the field, Durocher kept plugging for his players not to cause Robinson problems.