Jackie in the Negro Leagues

   African American teams and Negro Leagues were formed to create opportunities for African American’s to play baseball and make money. Professional African American teams and Negro Leagues were formed in the late 1800s. Some interracial games were played with Major League white teams and black teams in exhibition games. Although, starting in the early 1900s, African Americans were not allowed to play with white professional teams. 

Jackie Robinson played for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues for one year, after serving for two years in World War Two. Some people preferred the Negro League games because they featured more speed and showmanship than other organized baseball teams. In 1947, when teams began to integrate, the Negro League lost many of its best players, and in 1960, the league ended entirely.