Intro
In this episode of Slow Burn, titled “One Year: 1955 – The Team Nobody Would Play,” the podcast explores the story of the Cannon Street All-Stars, a team of black children from South Carolina who became civil rights pioneers. Despite their talent and determination, they faced racism and discrimination as they tried to compete in an integrated Little League tournament. This episode highlights their journey and the obstacles they faced along the way.
Main Takeaways
The Journey to the World Series
- In 1955, the Yankees and Red Sox had never featured a single black player, while the Dodgers had a majority black line-up.
- John and Leroy were part of the first all-black squad to make the trip to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
- The team’s journey to the World Series was filled with mishaps, including a bus fire on the way there.
- Despite making it to the World Series, the team’s experience was bittersweet as they faced racism and discrimination.
The Symbolism of the Little League World Series
- The Little League World Series was a symbol of baseball heaven, but for a team of black children from South Carolina, it was just an illusion.
- 1955 was a year of change, with scientific progress and fear of atomic bombs.
- A team of black children from South Carolina became civil rights pioneers in 1955.
- The team faced the wrath of a white society that wasn’t ready to change.
The Fight for Integration
- The Cannon Street YMCA was a main hub for Charleston’s black community, established the year after the Civil War with a mission to serve black Charlestonians.
- Robert Morrison, the president of the Cannon Street YMCA, was determined to organize a baseball league for kids like Leroy, John, and Buck who played half-rubber in the streets.
- Little League Baseball was founded in 1939 and gained national attention after World War II, becoming an enormous media spectacle by 1954.
- The Little League World Series had become a symbol of Americanism and community support, with thousands of boys proudly wearing the little league uniform.
The Battle for Equality
- The Cannon Street All-Stars signed up for district little league playoffs, catching the attention of White Charleston.
- White teams pulled out of the tournament, allowing the All-Stars to win without opposition.
- The All-Stars advanced to the state tournament, but the white teams voted against playing them.
- Little League Baseball’s national headquarters in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, declared that separate but equal wasn’t going to fly and the tournament had to go on.
The Journey to the World Series
- Little League moved the state tournament to Greenville, South Carolina on federal land to allow for integration.
- South Carolina’s Little League Commissioner, Danny Jones, was against integration and created his own segregated league called Little Boy League.
- Jones scheduled his playoffs for the same day as the integrated state tournament, causing teams to withdraw and leaving only the Cannon Street All-Stars in the tournament.
- Little League headquarters sided with the segregationists and did not consider the Cannon Street All-Stars state champions, citing safety concerns for black children in rural Georgia.
The Journey to the World Series
- Despite the obstacles, the Cannon Street All-Stars were confident in their talent and ready to win the World Series.
- The team chartered their own bus to travel to the World Series, facing potential danger in the Jim Crow South.
- They faced potential danger in the Jim Crow South, with instances of racism and discrimination along the way.
- Despite the challenges, the boys found moments of joy and adventure on the trip, including sleeping in a dormitory and trying new foods.
The World Series Experience
- They were surprised to meet an integrated team from New Jersey at the World Series, and felt a sense of camaraderie with them.
- On championship day, the Charleston team finally got the chance to show what they could do in front of a packed stadium.
- The team was well-coached, could run and hit, and loved each other.
- Fans started chanting “let them play” after a stunning play in the outfield.
The Aftermath
- Little League was never going to let them play, and they watched an integrated team from New Jersey lose in the championship final.
- On the way back from Williamsport, the same day, Emmett Till was lynched, which had a profound impact on John and changed his demeanor.
- Montgomery, Alabama launched a bus boycott, the first mass protest of the modern civil rights era.
- The Cannon Street Little League tried to integrate Little League Baseball in South Carolina, but faced opposition.
Summary
The Fight for Integration in Little League Baseball
In 1955, the Cannon Street All-Stars, a team of black children from South Carolina, challenged the segregated nature of Little League Baseball. Despite their talent and determination, they faced racism and discrimination along their journey to the World Series. The team’s fight for integration exposed the deep commitment to segregation and racism in South Carolina. Although they were not officially recognized as state champions, their story made a significant statement and paved the way for future progress.
The Journey to the World Series
The Cannon Street All-Stars faced numerous obstacles as they traveled to the Little League World Series in Pennsylvania. From mishaps like a bus fire to instances of racism and discrimination, their journey was filled with both challenges and moments of joy. Despite the difficulties, the boys were confident in their talent and ready to showcase their skills on the big stage.
The World Series Experience
At the World Series, the Cannon Street All-Stars finally had the opportunity to compete against other teams. They were surprised to meet an integrated team from New Jersey and felt a sense of camaraderie with them. Although they were not allowed to play in the championship final, their presence and the support of the fans made a lasting impact.
The Aftermath and Legacy
After returning from the World Series, the Cannon Street All-Stars faced the harsh realities of racism and discrimination in their daily lives. The lynching of Emmett Till and the Montgomery bus boycott further highlighted the need for social progress and equality. The team’s fight for integration in Little League Baseball may not have resulted in immediate victory, but their story continues to inspire and remind us of the lasting scars of a segregated society.
Conclusion
The story of the Cannon Street All-Stars in 1955 serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by black individuals in their fight for equality. Despite the obstacles they encountered, the team’s determination and talent made a significant impact on the civil rights movement. Their journey highlights the importance of challenging unjust systems and the lasting legacy of those who dare to make a difference.
