Jackie Robinson (1950-02) by Allan GrantLIFE Photo Collection
A new era
As professional baseball began to integrate in the 1940s and Negro League superstars like Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby made their way into the Major Leagues, the impact and accomplishments of Negro League teams diminished.
Racial barriers were knocked down and the need for a Negro League vanished. The history and memory of these players and teams were and remain in jeopardy of being lost.
As time goes on, it is increasingly important to cherish and immortalize an overshadowed history of the nation's pastime, and a team that left behind a lasting impact on its city: the Cleveland Buckeyes.
In 1942, hotel and nightclub owner Ernest Wright joined forces with Cleveland sports promoter Wilbur Hayes to form the Buckeyes.
Committed to Cleveland
Wright and Hayes differentiated themselves from past Cleveland and Negro League owners. The pair led a successful team that lasted eight years, a feat no other Negro League team in Cleveland could claim.
Trouppe signed Canizares prior to the 1945 season
Buckeyes scouts, including player-manager Quincy Trouppe, recruited players from different states and foreign countries to come play for Cleveland. The team reportedly had the second highest payroll in the Negro Leagues.
The status of Wright and Hayes as owners dedicated to the success of the Buckeyes gathered the respect and attention of local newspapers, especially the Call & Post, Cleveland's premier black newspaper.
Edgewater (1959-10-19) by Cleveland PressBaseball Heritage Museum
A growing game
Prior to Wright and Hayes, game statistics and records were rarely shared with the press. Wright assured the paper would receive regular statistics on games and players.
The Call & Post did its best to promote the team and convince fans to attend Buckeyes games. The paper lauded the team, and the Buckeyes were recognized as the Negro American League's "Most Outstanding Franchise" in 1943.
As the game grew at League Park, local businesses in the Hough neighborhood flourished and the population grew. The Buckeyes became a shining light for a community that faced segregation and a country at war overseas.
In order for Cleveland to sustain a Negro League franchise, support of the city's black community was critical.
The Hough Buckeyes
Hough and the Buckeyes formed a special relationship. Proceeds from one game were sent to the Future Outlook League and their drive against juvenile delinquency. Another game awarded free admission for kids in an ‘All Sports Day’ event.
Wilbur Hayes Day at League Park (1943-09-11) by William BriskerBaseball Heritage Museum
The pride of Hough
Cleveland's black community leaders celebrated its Negro League team with multiple 'Wilbur Hayes Days'. The Buckeyes and Hough looked out for one another. Black businesses boomed and pride for the team strengthened.
Larger crowds and overall organizational success culminated in a 1945 Negro League World Series victory over the Homestead Grays. Buckeyes players and executives were honored at Cleveland's Majestic Hotel.
Baseball-Cleveland Indians (1938-07) by Peter StackpoleLIFE Photo Collection
The legacy of the Buckeyes
As Major League integration continued in the late 1940s, the Indians established themselves as the leaders of Cleveland baseball. The Buckeyes popularity declined and a neighborhood that benefited and depended on the operations at League Park quickly headed into decline.
From 1950 to 1980, the population of the Hough neighborhood decreased from 65,000 to just 25,000. Fewer amateur games were being played at League Park.
In 1950, the Buckeyes were missing from the Cleveland sports scene.
Fannie LewisBaseball Heritage Museum
The need for a Negro League team was no more...
but the effect the Buckeyes had on Cleveland is long-lasting. Councilwoman Fannie Lewis was determined to see the rehabilitation of League Park. A catalyst for the future reconstruction of the facility, Lewis was memorialized at the park following her death in 2008.
The Buckeyes continue to be recognized at Guardians games and special events in Cleveland. The memory and legacy of League Park's definitive team is honored at the Baseball Heritage Museum.
Special thanks to the Cleveland Public Library's Digital Gallery for images and information on the Buckeyes.
Additionally, the Call and Post and Plain Dealer archives were used in the research for this article. Clevelandbuckeyesbaseball.com is another great resource for information on the team.
Lastly, a thank you to the authors Alice E. Carter, Stephanie M. Liscio, Ken Krsolovic, and Bryan Fritz for their published work that contributed to the research for this article.
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