Eastern Colored League

Eastern Colored League

The Eastern Colored League (ECL) was a professional Negro league baseball organization that operated in the eastern United States from 1923 to 1928. It was one of the major leagues for African American baseball players during a time when racial segregation prevented them from playing in the major leagues.

History

The Eastern Colored League was founded in 1923 by Nat Strong, a white businessman who was heavily involved in black baseball. The league was established as a rival to the Negro National League, which had been founded three years earlier by Rube Foster.

The ECL initially consisted of six teams:

• Hilldale
• Cuban Stars (East)
• Brooklyn Royal Giants
• Baltimore Black Sox
• Bacharach Giants
• Lincoln Giants

The league expanded and contracted over its six-year existence, with teams such as the New York Black Yankees and the Philadelphia Tigers joining at various times.

Notable Teams and Players

The Hilldale Club, based in Darby, Pennsylvania, was one of the most successful teams in the ECL, winning multiple league championships. The team was managed by Frank Warfield and featured star players such as Judy Johnson, a future Hall of Famer.

Another prominent team was the Bacharach Giants, named after Atlantic City mayor Harry Bacharach. The Giants were known for their strong pitching staff, including Dick Redding and Red Ryan.

Decline and Disbandment

The Eastern Colored League faced numerous challenges, including financial instability and competition from other leagues. In 1928, the league disbanded due to internal disputes and the economic pressures of the time. Many of its teams joined the Negro National League or operated independently.

Legacy

The Eastern Colored League played a crucial role in the development of black baseball during the 1920s. It provided a platform for African American players to showcase their talents and contributed to the rich history of Negro league baseball. The league's existence highlighted the racial segregation of the era and the determination of black athletes to pursue their passion for the game.

See Also

• Negro National League
• Negro league baseball
• Rube Foster
• Judy Johnson

References

• Holway, John. Voices from the Great Black Baseball Leagues. New York: Dodd, Mead & Company, 1975.
• Peterson, Robert. Only the Ball Was White. New York: Prentice-Hall, 1970.