Only the Ball Was White
"An Inspirational Documentary About the Forgotten Athletes of Baseball's Negro League"
Originally released in 1980. Only the Ball Was White is a documentary film. directed by Ken Solarz. At just 30 minutes, it's a tight, focused story.
Starring Paul Winfield, Effa Manley, and Don Newcombe
Synopsis
Throughout the 1900's, before Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier in 1946, black baseball talent blossomed in the Negro Leagues. Baseball buffs still sing the praises of Josh Gibson who could be counted on to hit 70 homeruns in a season, and Satchel Paige who pitched over 100 no-hitters in his career. Only the Ball Was White pays tribute to the many topflight players from the Negro Leagues. Narrated by actor Paul Winfield, the program documents a bygone bittersweet era in baseball and the men who were denied stardom by the color line. Ballplayers throughout the country were interviewed for this program, all of them quick to tell tales of the life, the competition, and the camaraderie. These include: Satchel Paige, Roy Campanella, Buck Leonard, Jimmy Crutchfield, David Malarcher, Effa Manley, and Quincy Trouppe.
Quick Facts
Release Date
February 21, 1980
45 years ago
Runtime
0h 30m
30 minutes total
User Rating
9.0/10
Excellent (1 votes)
Language
English
Original language
Country
United States of America
Production
Director
Production Details
- Status
- Released
- Original Language
- EN
Production Companies
- WTTW/Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Only the Ball Was White about?
Throughout the 1900's, before Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier in 1946, black baseball talent blossomed in the Negro Leagues. Baseball buffs still sing the praises of Josh Gibson who ...
Who directed Only the Ball Was White?
Only the Ball Was White was directed by Ken Solarz.
How long is Only the Ball Was White?
Only the Ball Was White has a runtime of 0 hours and 30 minutes (30 minutes total).
When was Only the Ball Was White released?
Only the Ball Was White was released on February 21, 1980 in theaters.
Who are the main actors in Only the Ball Was White?
The main cast of Only the Ball Was White includes Paul Winfield, Effa Manley, Don Newcombe, Leroy 'Satchel' Paige, Buck Leonard.