Don Zminda (BSJ70) “Justice Batted Last: Ernie Banks, Minnie Miñoso, and the Unheralded Players Who Integrated Chicago’s Major League Teams” tells the story of the Black players who integrated the Chicago White Sox and Cubs in the1940s and ’50s. Zminda also highlights Chicago’s pivotal role, both positive and negative, in the battle to break baseball’s color barrier. In the 19th century superstar player-manager Cap Anson of the Chicago White Stockings, precursors to the Cubs, was instrumental in driving Black players out of organized baseball. Despite pressure from activists and writers, the leagues remained all-white during the long tenure of baseball’s first commissioner, Chicago-based Kenesaw Mountain Landis. And while publicly stating that they were open to giving Black players a chance during the 1940s, the White Sox and Cubs turned away the chance to sign future superstars like Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays.

 Along with detailed coverage of the challenges and racism faced by future Baseball Hall of Famers Banks and Miñoso, Zminda takes a deep look into the careers and lives of other Black players signed by the Chicago teams during this time. Their vivid experiences are an important part of baseball history, as well as the story of race relations in America.