A one-of-a-kind owner she demanded better scheduling for her players, paid higher wages and provided the Newark Eagles players with an air-conditioned ‘Flexible Clipper Bus.’ To provide work for her players during the winter months Effa and Abe Manley had those players that wanted to play in games in Puerto Rico. An attractive lady she often used her big smile and baseball team name to promote causes for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), as Effa Manley was the treasurer of the Newark chapter.

Effa Manley’s 1946 Newark Eagles team led by Larry Doby, Monte Irvin and Don Newcombe captured the Negro World Series.

When Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color bearer in 1947 Effa spoke out against the white major leagues raiding the Negro Leagues without paying compensation. But the majors just kept on raiding. When Mrs. Effa Manley passed away on April 16 1981 the newspapers said ‘she was the last surviving owner of a Negro League team.’ Her tombstone is engraved ‘SHE LOVED BASEBALL’

Effa Manley was the first lady selected to the baseball Hall of Fame - February 27 2006

* Verdell Lefty Mathis Pitcher Left handed Memphis Red Sox of the Negro National League 1940-49 – a mound stalwart his overhand fastball pitching delivery with a screwball mixed in stymied some of the best of Negro League batters. The 5 ft 10-inch, 150-pound Lefty Mathis helped make the Memphis Red Sox a popular entertainment spot and a financial success for management. Born in Crawfordsville Arkansas.

* Bill Cash Catcher RH Philadelphia Stars 1943-1950 – a stocky built backstop he was one of the fans favorites of the Philadelphia Stars from 1943-1950. A solid line drive hitter Bill Cash also played the third base and the outfield spots. 'I loved playing baseball. We got money for food and had a good time traveling the country,' Bill Cash later recalled.

* Wilmer Fields Pitcher Right-handed Homestead Grays 1941-1949 – one of the Grays leading pitchers, Will Fields also was used as an outfielder on days he wasn’t on the pitching mound. As a pitcher he relied mostly on his moving fastball and occasionally mixed in a changeup or curve. Fields was a strong batter and helped the Grays in clutch situations.

* Clyde McNeal Infielder RH Chicago American Giants 1945-50 – An aggressive defensive infielder and a capable hitter he Played six seasons in Chicago with the American Giants and when the Negro League folded played two years in the Mexican League.

* Jehosie Heard Pitcher Left handed Negro Leagues 1946-1951 – after proudly serving in military Jay Heard made his debut with Birmingham Black Barons in 1946. Used mainly as a reliever the 5 ft, 7-inch 145-pounder also pitched for Memphis Red Sox, the Houston Eagles and the New Orleans Eagles. After pitching in the minors for the next three seasons Jay Heard joined the majors and was the first black player to play for the Baltimore Orioles. He was on the Orioles 1954 Opening Day roster and pitched two games in relief before being sent to the Portland Beavers TripleA baseball.

* Jim Bo Wallace Catcher 1947 Newark Eagles of the Negro National League - a solid defensive backstop on one of the most popular of Negro Baseball Teams during the mid-to-late 1940s. Jim Wallace worked his defense behind home plate and had a noted strong throwing arm.

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For more fun facts on Negro Baseball please see page 167 of American Heroes

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In 1950 the 5 ft 10 inch, 170-pound Bob Boyd was the first black player to sign a contract with the White Sox. Sent to the minors he joined the club in ’51 and hit .167 in 12 games. Shipped back to the minors he rejoined team in ’53 hitting a solid .297 in 55 games. Back again to the minors Boyd was traded to the Orioles in ’56 and took over the team’s first base position.

In Baltimore Bob Boyd batted .318 in ’57 with a career-best 73 runs scored and in 1958 hit .309 with career highs with 21 doubles and with 7 homers. Bob Boyd MLB career stats: .293, 81 Ds, 23 Ts, 19 Hrs, 567 hits in 1936 at bats spanning 693 games.

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Major League Baseball History by the Official Baseball Historian

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A well-regarded clutch power-hitter, big George Crowe busted many a baseball bats during his tenure in the Negro leagues and major leagues.

The 6 ft 2 inch, 210 pound first baseman stared his baseball career playing for the New York Black Yankees in 1947 and after a couple of season in the minors debuted with the old Boston Braves Baseball Club. George Crowe was traded to the Cincinnati Redlegs on April 9 1956 for right-handed pitcher Corky Valentine and outfielder Bob Hazle.

George Crowe put together his best season that same year, 1956, when in 133 games he lined 20 doubles, 31 home runs, scored 71 times, and had 92 RBIs. And, went 5-for-5 in a game against his old Braves teammates.

George Crowe career stats: .270 BA, 70 Ds, 12 Ts, 81 Hrs, 159 Walks, 246 Ks in 1727 at bats.

A resounding line drive hitter, Al Pinkston carried a .370 and better batting average throughout the 1960s while playing for Vera Cruz and the Mexico City Reds. Even in the 1965 when Al Pinkston was at least 45 to 50 years old and a grandfather, he batted a robust .345. Baseball Historian