Despite the color barrier, Negro Leaguers often faced off against their MLB counterparts. These contests took place in the off-season and helped augment the income of the players involved.
Shown here is a lineup of Negro League stars called the Philadelphia Royal Giants. They squared off against Dizzy Dean’s All Stars on October 31, 1935. Satchel Paige started the game against a star-studded lineup.
Hall of Famer Arky Vaugnan played shortstop while NL home run champion and four-time All Star Wally Berger hit behind him in the cleanup spot. Dolph Camilli who won the 1941 NL Most Valuable Player Award played first and Cooperstown hurler Dean got the start on the hill.
Ole Diz faced a batting order that included three men who went on to get their Cooperstown plaques: Turkey Stearnes, Mule Suttles, and Biz Mackey. The Cardinals hurler went 7 innings, giving up five hits and a pair of runs.
Third baseman Suttles went 1-for-4 with two runs batted in.
Satchel struck out 7, allowed two runs on two hits, and left with a no-decision after four innings. The MLB crew pushed across three more runs off of Chet Brewer to gain a 5-4 victory.
Five men have adorned their signatures to the lineup including Paige, Vaughan, Camilli, Berger, and Tuck Stainback.