The League: A Journey Through the Triumphs and Challenges of the Negro Leagues

Style Magazine Newswire | 7/17/2023, 1:58 p.m.
Directed by renowned filmmaker Sam Pollard, "The League" is a captivating documentary that delves into the vibrant history of Negro …
The Newark Eagles in Dugout in 1936, from THE LEAGUE, a Magnolia Pictures release. © Yale University Art Gallery. Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.

Directed by renowned filmmaker Sam Pollard, "The League" is a captivating documentary that delves into the vibrant history of Negro League baseball during the first half of the twentieth century. Executive produced by Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, Mark Cuban, Todd Wagner, and Tariq Trotter, and produced by RadicalMedia, this film sheds light on the triumphs and obstacles faced by African American players in the face of segregation.

Video

The League - Official Trailer | Directed by Sam Pollard | Executive Produced by Questlove

Opening exclusively in AMC Theatres the week of July 7
Available on digital July 14
http://theleaguedocumentary.com/

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sam Pollard (MLK/FBI), executive produced by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson (Oscar-winning SUMMER OF SOUL), Tariq Trotter (DESCENDANT), and produced by RadicalMedia, THE LEAGUE celebrates the dynamic journey of Negro League baseball's triumphs and challenges through the first half of the twentieth century. The story is told through previously unearthed archival footage and never-before-seen interviews with legendary players like Satchel Paige and Buck O’Neil – whose early careers paved the way for the Jackie Robinson era – as well as celebrated Hall of Famers Willie Mays and Hank Aaron who started out in the Negro Leagues. From entrepreneurial titans Cumberland Posey and Gus Greenlee, whose intense rivalry fueled the rise of two of the best baseball teams ever to play the game, to Effa Manley, the activist owner of the Newark Eagles and the only woman ever admitted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, THE LEAGUE explores Black baseball as an economic and social pillar of Black communities and a stage for some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game, while also examining the unintended consequences of integration.

Directed by Sam Pollard
Executive Produced by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Tariq Trotter
Produced by RadicalMedia

For more great titles, visit https://www.magnoliaselects.com/

Opening exclusively in AMC Theatres the week of July 7 Available on digital July 14 http://theleaguedocumentary.com/ Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sam Pollard (MLK/FBI), executive produced by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson (Oscar-winning SUMMER OF SOUL), Tariq Trotter (DESCENDANT), and produced by RadicalMedia, THE LEAGUE celebrates the dynamic journey of Negro League baseball's triumphs and challenges through the first half of the twentieth century. The story is told through previously unearthed archival footage and never-before-seen interviews with legendary players like Satchel Paige and Buck O’Neil – whose early careers paved the way for the Jackie Robinson era – as well as celebrated Hall of Famers Willie Mays and Hank Aaron who started out in the Negro Leagues. From entrepreneurial titans Cumberland Posey and Gus Greenlee, whose intense rivalry fueled the rise of two of the best baseball teams ever to play the game, to Effa Manley, the activist owner of the Newark Eagles and the only woman ever admitted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, THE LEAGUE explores Black baseball as an economic and social pillar of Black communities and a stage for some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game, while also examining the unintended consequences of integration. Directed by Sam Pollard Executive Produced by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Tariq Trotter Produced by RadicalMedia For more great titles, visit https://www.magnoliaselects.com/

Through a masterful blend of previously unearthed archival footage and never-before-seen interviews, "The League" presents the stories of legendary players like Satchel Paige and Buck O'Neil, who paved the way for the integration of baseball, as well as celebrated Hall of Famers Willie Mays and Hank Aaron, who began their careers in the Negro Leagues. The documentary also explores the influential figures behind the scenes, such as entrepreneurial titans Cumberland Posey and Gus Greenlee, and Effa Manley, the activist owner of the Newark Eagles and the first woman to be admitted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

"The League" goes beyond the game itself, delving into the economic and social significance of Black baseball within African American communities. It examines the unintended consequences of integration and the impact it had on the Negro Leagues, which served as pillars of strength and sources of entertainment for Black Americans.

Director Sam Pollard shares his vision for the film, stating that he aimed to amplify the voices of former Negro League players by combining their narratives with historical context and captivating visuals. Through interviews conducted by Byron Motley, son of Negro League umpire Bob Motley, the film offers a treasure trove of firsthand accounts that enrich the storytelling experience.

This feature-length documentary brings to light the complexity and intrigue of Black baseball, revealing that its roots stretch back to the Civil War era. It unveils the pioneering efforts of individuals like Andrew Rube Foster, who formed the first Negro National League, and highlights the fierce rivalries and exhilarating matchups that captivated audiences during the era of the Great Depression.

"The League" also confronts the challenges faced by African American players during World War II and the subsequent integration of Major League Baseball, which led to the decline of the Negro Leagues. It portrays the broader social and economic impact of integration on Black communities, while celebrating the legacy and resilience of the Negro Leagues.

"The League," the documentary that celebrates the dynamic journey of Negro League baseball's triumphs and challenges through the first half of the twentieth century, opened exclusively in AMC Theaters on July 7 and is now available on digital platforms.

"The League," the documentary that celebrates the dynamic journey of Negro League baseball's triumphs and challenges through the first half of the twentieth century, opened exclusively in AMC Theaters on July 7 and is now available on digital platforms.

With its powerful storytelling and compelling historical insights, "The League" offers a comprehensive exploration of Black baseball's journey, celebrating its triumphs and shedding light on the untold stories of the players who shaped the game and the community around it.