Cito Gaston | Breaking Barriers as a Black Manager, and Life with Henry Aaron

BONUS | Sridhar Pappu and Luke Epplin | A Salute to the Black Aces: Bob Kendrick joins fans at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum's "Black Aces" exhibit for an in-depth discussion with two acclaimed authors. Sridhar Pappu discusses his book, "The Year of the Pitcher", chronicling Bob Gibson's historic 1968 season, set "against the backdrop of assassinations, while boys boarded planes to Saigon and riots swept through American cities, forever changing the fabric of this country." Then Luke Epplin sits down for a conversation about his book, "Our Team", "the story of the integration of the Cleveland Indians and their quest for a World Series title through four key participants: Bill Veeck, an eccentric and visionary owner adept at exploding fireworks on and off the field; Larry Doby, a soft-spoken, hard-hitting pioneer whose major-league breakthrough shattered stereotypes that so much of white America held about Black ballplayers; Bob Feller, a pitching prodigy from the Iowa cornfields by Black Diamonds

98 min listen

Hall of Game 2023 | Dwight Gooden, Dontrelle Willis, Dave Stewart, Al Downing, Derrick Blue, Greg Proops: Join Bob Kendrick and comedian Greg Proops at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum's 2023 "Hall of Game" ceremony, as they celebrate the induction of the The Black Aces - Five of the 15 Black pitchers in AL/NL history to win 20 games in a Major League season, and five men who carried the spirit and style of the Negro Leagues through their whole career. Hear Bob and Greg sit down with the legendary Al Downing (10:43) to talk about his 17-year career, from the 1961 Yankees and the chase for 61, to being a part of Henry Aaron's historic 715. Enjoy Dave Stewart's stories (24:02) of his friend and teammate, the great Mike Norris. Listen to story upon story about the late Vida Blue (42:52) from his son, Derrick. Laugh and learn with the always-hilarious, never-hittable Dontrelle Willis (59:40) as he remembers his career, and thanks his heroes. And experience the thrill of the career that w by Black Diamonds

89 min listen

The Story of Willard "Home Run" Brown | Featuring the Late Willard Brown: He was Ese Hombre. He was Sunny. He was Home Run Brown. He was Special Services for the US Army at the invasion of Normandy. And he was the Negro Leagues' greatest power hitter of the 1940's. Meet Willard Brown, through the stories of Bob Kendrick and the archived voice of Brown himself. Hear how the late Hall of Famer planned to be a Kansas City Monarch from an early age, and ended up rewriting their record books. Hear about his legendary tape-measure shots, and game-winning heroics, his larger-than-life persona in his career in Latin America, and the joy he brought to European troops hitting home runs for the Army in World War II. And don't miss the story of Willard Brown's historic, yet ill-fated, stint as the first Black player (alongside Hank Thompson) in St. Louis Browns history, and why it paled in comparison the competitive levels of the Negro Leagues. by Black Diamonds

41 min listen

Cam Perron and Al Holt | The 1948 Birmingham Black Barons: In the year 1948, the last Negro Leagues World Series was held. One of the teams playing was the Birmingham Black Barons. Why was that '48 squad so special, and how did a young white kid become so involved in preserving the legacy of Black baseball in Birmingham? Hear the answers as Bob chats with Cam Perron, author and Negro Leagues researcher, and Al Holt, former third baseman for the Black Barons. Cam tells Bob how his interest in the Negro Leagues began in his pre-teens, which has led to friendships with over 100 former players and helping dozens of them secure pensions from Major League Baseball. Cam also talks about the distinct honor of having Hank Aaron, Bob's childhood idol, write the foreword for his 2021 book, "Comeback Season: My Unlikely Story of Friendship with the Greatest Living Negro League Baseball Players." Also, Al Holt explains to Bob why it was always his dream to play for the Black Barons and wha by Black Diamonds

59 min listen

LaTroy Hawkins | "I want to be remembered by how I treated people, and not the stats on the back of my baseball card.": You could call him the modern day Satchel Paige - A man who played three sports and pitched for 12 teams over 21 years, on his way to becoming one of just 16 men to ever pitch in over 1,000 games. And along the way, he enjoyed every minute of it. LaTroy Hawkins sits down with Bob Kendrick at Play Ball Park in Seattle to discuss his admiration for Negro Leagues baseball, and how Buck O'Neil deserves credit for every ounce of greatness of the last 70 years of baseball. Hear about the rocky start to LaTroy's career, the keys to his historic longevity, the lessons he learned along the way about how to treat people with dignity and respect, the work he's doing today to bring baseball to every young Black kid who wants it, where the game is headed, how to protect where it's been, a few words about his Godson - reigning NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes II - and so much more. by Black Diamonds

36 min listen

Willie Horton | How The Negro Leagues Helped Make The Game Global: 4x All-Star and 1968 World Series Champion Willie Horton joins Bob Kendrick in front of a live audience at Play Ball Park in Seattle, to discuss his experience of visiting the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, having a breakout season while playing in Puerto Rico early in his career, and how his good friend Buck O’Neil tried to sign him to the Chicago Cubs when he was only thirteen years old as a Spanish player. Hear how Willie dealt with being one of the early black players with the Tigers, plus his memories of the 1968 World Championship team, why he thinks Bob Gibson could have done what Shohei Ohtani is doing now, and so much more. by Black Diamonds

38 min listen

Basketball Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens | "I Played Stickball with Willie Mays": Lenny Wilkens scored 17,772 points as an NBA player, and won 1,332 regular season games as an NBA coach. He has two gold medals, and he's in the Basketball Hall of Fame three times. And still, he reminds you... his first love was baseball. Hear the story of young Lenny Wilkens watching Jackie Robinson's rookie season from the Ebbets Field bleachers in 1947, and the firsthand accounts of how he changed America. Hear Lenny's accounts of playing stickball with Willie Mays, and what roles the first wave of Black stars in the Major Leagues had in the community. The Civil Rights movement, the Dream Team, the incredible stories of a 45-year Hall of Fame career and the man who lived it - all with Negro Leagues Baseball Museum President Bob Kendrick. by Black Diamonds

59 min listen

Sam Allen and Pedro Sierra | Former Negro Leaguers Tell Their Stories: When they speak, we listen. Former Negro Leaguers Sam Allen and Pedro Sierra join Bob Kendrick at All-Star Week in Seattle to tell their stories of triumph over adversity, in front of a live audience. Hear stories of long bus rides and hot beef stew while Sam Allen traveled with the Memphis Red Sox. Hear Pedro Sierra's first reactions to prejudice in the United States, after leaving his native Cuba to play in the Negro Leagues. Hear about former Negro-Leaguer-turned-Country-Music icon Charley Pride, Dapper Dizzy Dismukes, Ted Rasberry, and a skinny Indianapolis Clown named Henry Aaron. And hear firsthand, how Jackie Robinson changed two lives forever in 1947. Do not miss this very special conversation, with two of the last remaining storytellers of an unforgettable generation. by Black Diamonds

30 min listen

Derek Jeter | "It's Not Just Baseball History.": "You need to know your past. You need to understand the trials and tribulations that, not only Jackie Robinson went through, but this is U.S. history. It's not just baseball history." Hall of Famer Derek Jeter sits down with Bob Kendrick for an exclusive one-on-one session, discussing everything from his first steps on a baseball field to the importance of Negro Leagues history, and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Hear The Captain discuss his first meetings with Buck O'Neil, his first steps through the museum, his enshrinement in both the Hall of Fame and Monument Park, his reverence for Dave Winfield, and so much more throughout twenty years in the big leagues. Hear why Derek is so proud of his post-playing career as an executive with the marlins, and why the game NEEDS more disruptors in front office. Hear all about Derek's work with his foundation, his lessons from his father, and his struggles on a basketball court. Plus, don't by Black Diamonds

56 min listen

Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson | The Players Alliance, Recorded at All-Star Week in Seattle: How do you truly change the game? Through action. Action OFF the field, and action ON the field. Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson, directors of The Players Alliance, join Bob Kendrick in front of a live audience at Play Ball Park in Seattle, to discuss how they carry the spirit of the Negro Leagues into the next generation of baseball stars, and what The Players Alliance is doing to bring baseball to EVERYONE. Hear their take on leadership in baseball, and the mentors that got them to All-Star heights, the lessons they learned from Buck O'Neil and the stars of the Negro Leagues, and how Major League Baseball's HBCU showcase at All-Star Week can light the way to what baseball needs to look like in the future. PLUS, one VERY special surprise (35:04) for Bob, courtesy of the Players Alliance. by Black Diamonds

38 min listen

Mike Cameron | A True Game Changer, Recorded at All-Star Week in Seattle: He's a former All-Star, a three-time Gold Glover, the father of a big leaguer, one of only 22 men in history with 250 homers and 250 steals, and now... he's officially a Game Changer. Mike Cameron joins Bob Kendrick during All-Star Week in Seattle to talk about receiving 2023's prestigious "Game Changer" honors from The Players Alliance, the work of The Players Alliance in strengthening baseball in Black communities, winning the Pop Lloyd award from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, instilling the history of the Negro Leagues in his son, his lessons of mentorship, respect, and leadership, the lore of Willie Mays, Henry Aaron, and Buck O'Neil, the story of his four-home-run game, his career beside the one and only Ichiro, and so much more. by Black Diamonds

59 min listen

Black Diamonds Returns JULY 13: The award-winning podcast of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum returns JULY 13, following Major League Baseball's All-Star break. And if you're in Seattle for the All-Star Game, come see Bob and Black Diamonds LIVE at Play Ball Park, Sunday JULY 9. by Black Diamonds

1 min listen

Reggie Jackson | Are We Any Closer to Diversity in Baseball?: Hall of Famer - and son of a Negro Leagues infielder - Reggie Jackson joins Bob Kendrick for a candid, in-depth conversation about race and baseball, and the question of whether we're truly any closer to diversity in the game than we were when Reggie retired. Hear Reggie's commentary on the lack of Black managers and executives in the game today, and how we need more than just one Dana Brown running player personnel before we can start celebrating. Hear Reggie's reaction to Glen Kuiper's racial slur and subsequent apology, and why he's having a much harder time forgiving than Bob is. And hear Reggie's wealth of stories, from growing up amidst our nation's civil unrest, and his father passing on the wisdom of the Negro Leaguers, to his conversations with Jim Brown, and a home run that nearly left Kansas City entirely. by Black Diamonds

46 min listen

Marquis Grissom | The Story of Sam "The Jet" Jethroe: How fast was Sam "The Jet" Jethroe? He was the fastest man in the Negro Leagues. He was the fastest man in the National League. And when you put him on the track with an Olympian? He was the fastest man on that track too. Bob Kendrick tells the story of the Jet's journey from a championship with the Cleveland Buckeyes, to becoming the first Black player to take the field for the Braves and capturing the NL Rookie of the Year in 1950. Plus, Bob sits down with a man who followed in the Jet's footsteps and didn't even realize it - from Montreal, to the Braves, with two NL stolen base titles along the way - the great Marquis Grissom. The two discuss the importance of telling these stories of Black baseball to future generations, Sam Jethroe's role in paving the way for Marquis in the Braves' organization, his relationship with Henry Aaron, his rise from rags to riches, the art of the stolen base and learning from Otis Nixon and Tim Rai by Black Diamonds

48 min listen

Rosilyn Stearnes-Brown | The Legend of Turkey Stearnes: What if we told you the greatest baseball player the city of Detroit has ever known, NEVER played a game for the Tigers? Bob Kendrick tells the story of Hall of Famer Norman "Turkey" Stearnes, the five-tool legend of the Detroit Stars who could hit, slug, field, run, throw, and even sing, like no one baseball had ever seen. Hear how "The Gobbler" got his name, how Satchel Paige showed him as much respect as anyone who had ever stepped in the batter's box, how he had the power of Josh Gibson before Josh Gibson ever hit his first home run, and how he never became bitter, despite having to work winters in the auto factories owned by the same man who banned him from the Detroit Tigers due to the color of his skin. Plus, hear from Norman Stearnes' own daughter, Rosilyn Stearnes-Brown, as she tells stories of the man who the fans called "Turkey", but she just called "Dad". by Black Diamonds

45 min listen

W. Kamau Bell | How to Define Blackness in Baseball, Plus a Conversation About Glen Kuiper: What does it mean to forgive, but never forget? Bob Kendrick addresses the racial slur used, and apology given, by A's broadcaster Glen Kuiper, and why he himself has chosen the path of forgiveness, while using the moment to remember the triumph over adversity of Negro Leagues baseball. Bob also takes a moment to remember his dear friend and a member of the Black Aces, the late Vida Blue, before writer, documentarian, and comedian W. Kamau Bell joins Bob for a nuanced discussion of how Blackness has been defined through the history of baseball, on the heels of Bell's HBOMax documentary "1000% Me", examining mixed race identity. Where was the line drawn for light-skinned stars like Charlie Grant or John Donaldson? And why? Did the first ever Black Major Leaguer KNOW that he was Black? And how did Blackness evolve in baseball past a skin tone, and into an entire style of play? Laugh and learn wit by Black Diamonds

53 min listen

Ray Mackey, Rich Westcott | The Story of Raleigh "Biz" Mackey by Black Diamonds

54 min listen

Wes Singletary | The Story of John Henry "Pop" Lloyd: Babe Ruth considered him the greatest player who had ever lived. Derek Jeter called him 'me, but with more power'. Bob Kendrick and Dr. Wes Singletary tell the story of John Henry "Pop" Lloyd, a Hall of Fame shortstop and the favorite son of Palatka, Florida. Hear about Pop's humble beginnings and meteoric rise through the Negro Leagues, his playing career that extended into his mid-40's, and his legacy that lasts far beyond. And most importantly, learn about the gentlemanly reputation, both in the game and elsewhere, that truly earned the man the nickname "Pop". by Black Diamonds

38 min listen

Jackie Robinson vs. Paul Robeson vs. The United States of America: In the Summer of 1949, the United States government called on Jackie Robinson to testify in front of the House Un-American Activities Committee against famed actor and activist Paul Robeson, for his ties to the Communist Party. In defending his country, Jackie would be forced to attack a fellow prominent Black voice, fighting the same fight he was - the ultimate no-win situation. But with this platform, he made his voice louder than ever. Authors Jonathan Eig and Michael G. Long join Bob Kendrick to tell the complex story of Jackie Robinson and his activism beyond the baseball field - the one the history books largely ignore - with the voices of Buck O'Neil and Jackie Robinson. by Black Diamonds

63 min listen

Dusty Baker | The Story of Vicious Vic Harris: Is the greatest manager in baseball history STILL not in the Hall of Fame? Bob Kendrick takes a look at "Vicious" Vic Harris, and the greatest minds of the Negro Leagues. Then Astros Manager Dusty Baker joins Bob to talk about his journey "from carrying Satchel Paige's fishing poles to lifting up a championship trophy", joining Dave Roberts and Cito Gaston as the only Black managers to win a World Series, the hunger to tie Cito with trophy number two, why he wasn't allowed to play quarterback in high school, Willie Stargell, Henry Aaron, and why Yordan Alvarez is the modern-day Mule Suttles. by Black Diamonds

51 min listen

Ramone Russell | Bringing the Negro Leagues to MLB: The Show 23: Imagine, stepping into the shoes of Satchel Paige to face Josh Gibson in the 1942 Negro Leagues World Series. With the bases loaded. And with every fielder on your side kneeling around the pitcher's mound. Starting this week, you can. Bob Kendrick sits down with Sony's Ramone Russell to tell the story of how the two of them have brought the Negro Leagues to life in this year's edition of MLB: The Show, and why it's already bringing baseball history, and American history, to a new generation like never before. Hear how the stadiums, the crowds, the uniforms, the windups, the swings, the slides, and most importantly, the stories were all recreated in living color, and how it all amounts to the most exciting year in the history of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. by Black Diamonds

51 min listen

Black Diamonds Returns for 2023: Black Diamonds is back! Bob Kendrick's award-winning series returns with all-new episodes starting March 30th. by Black Diamonds

2 min listen

Holiday Special Part One - Joe Posnanski and Tony Clark at the Buck O'Neil Gala: Author Joe Posnanski and MLBPA President Tony Clark join Bob Kendrick at the "Thanks a Million, Buck" Hall of Fame Gala in Kansas City, for a night of laughter, storytelling, and celebration of the legend himself, Buck O'Neil. by Black Diamonds

24 min listen

Holiday Special Part Two - Joe Carter, Lee Smith, Kenny Lofton, Bo Porter, and Dave Stewart at the Buck O'Neil Gala: Bob Kendrick and Joe Posnanski sit down with their closest friends at the "Thanks a Million, Buck" Hall of Fame Gala in Kansas City, for a night of laughter, storytelling, and celebration of the legend himself, Buck O'Neil. Hear Kenny Lofton on why he's proud to embody the style of the Negro Leagues, Bo Porter on continuing Buck O'Neil's legacy in a Major League dugout, and Dave Stewart on carrying Jackie Robinson's spirit as a rookie with the Dodgers. And hear Joe Carter and Lee Smith tell stories of being scouted and signed by Buck O'Neil, heeding his words to this day, and going head-to-head against each other on the diamond, and on the golf course. by Black Diamonds

34 min listen

The Story of Elston Howard, with Ralph Wimbish Jr.: Bob Kendrick remembers the life of a dear friend of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the late Maury Wills. Then author Ralph Wimbish Jr. joins the show to discuss the underappreciated career of a former Kansas City Monarch, the first Black Yankee, the first Black American League MVP, the first Black American League coach, and a man who SHOULD be in the National Baseball Hall of Fame - the great Elston Howard. by Black Diamonds

58 min listen

The Story of Joe Black, with Martha Jo Black: Bob Kendrick and Martha Jo Black tell the story of an amazing man - a former Baltimore Elite Giant, the 1952 NL Rookie of the Year, the first Black pitcher to win a World Series game, Jackie Robinson's roommate, and so so much more - the great Joe Black. by Black Diamonds

51 min listen

Eddie George: Former Heisman Trophy Winner and current Tennessee State Head Football Coach Eddie George joins Bob Kendrick to discuss how HBCUs powered the Negro Leagues, and why HBCU athletics are on the rise once again, the barrier breakers of football's history, his journey into coaching, and his current work to bring Black-owned professional baseball to the Major Leagues with the Nashville Stars. by Black Diamonds

48 min listen

Dave Stewart, and the Nashville Stars: 1989 World Series MVP Dave Stewart joins Bob Kendrick in front of a live audience at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to talk about Rickey Henderson, Bob Gibson, Vida Blue, his place among baseball's Black Aces, and his efforts to bring baseball its first Black-owned franchise since the Negro Leagues, with the expansion Nashville Stars. by Black Diamonds

59 min listen

Darryl Strawberry: Eight-time All-Star Darryl Strawberry sits down with Bob Kendrick for an intimate conversation about Black baseball - discussing what he owes to the Negro Leagues, the style and flair of Black baseball, how he would've never been a Major Leaguer if it weren't for Dave Parker, his upbringing from Crenshaw to the Bigs alongside Eric Davis, battling addiction as a pro, his work with the Players Alliance, the message he now spreads across the country, and just how to revive baseball in the Black community. by Black Diamonds

48 min listen

Former Negro Leaguers Pedro Sierra and Sam Allen | LIVE from Play Ball Park in LA: Bob Kendrick sits down with former Negro Leagues players Pedro Sierra of the Indianapolis Clowns and Sam Allen of the Kansas City Monarchs, in front of a live audience at Major League Baseball's Play Ball Park in Los Angeles. Hear firsthand stories of life with Henry Aaron, Minnie Miñoso, Satchel Paige, and more, as the legends discuss their careers in the Negro Leagues. by Black Diamonds

27 min listen

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Cito Gaston | Breaking Barriers as a Black Manager, and Life with Henry Aaron

Cito Gaston | Breaking Barriers as a Black Manager, and Life with Henry Aaron

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