As we approach the holiday season and the end of 2020, like many others, I have been interested in learning even more about the Negro Leagues after they obtained major league status. This book is a good read on one of the most successful teams of that time, the Kansas City Monarchs. Here is my review of "J.L. Wilkinson and the Kansas City Monarchs."
Title/Author:
“J.L Wilkinson and the Kansas City Monarchs: Trailblazers in Black Baseball" by William A. Young
Tags:
Baseball, professional, Monarchs, Negro Leagues, history
Publish date:
November 2, 2016
Length:
240 pages
Rating:
4 of 5 stars (very good)
Review:
The Kansas City Monarchs were one of the most successful franchises in the Negro Leagues for nearly the entire time those organizations existed. They wouldn't have lasted long into their first decade had it not been for the resources and progressive actions of the team's first owner who was a white man, J.L. Wilkinson. The story of Wilkinson and the Monarchs is captured in this quick, easy read by William Young.
At times, especially in the beginning of the book when the topic is mainly Wilkinson and his interest in owning a baseball franchise, seems to be TOO easy a read and is more of a long conversation instead of a story. Because of this, at times a reader may become lost with all of the names of people, players and others involved in the Monarchs or Negro Leagues. Those are the only aspects of the book that is otherwise a very good source of information on not only the Monarchs franchise but also for the development of the Negro Leagues.
Reading about how Rube Foster's dream of creating a professional league for Black players who were not allowed to play major league baseball is probably the best part of the book. However, that doesn't diminish the colorful history of the Monarchs team, whose history and players make for great stories and are shared in this book. Through it all, the most common theme, however, is Wilkinson's acceptance by everyone involved with the team. This is because not only did he treat his players and employees fairly, he compensated them well (in line with what white players earned in the major leagues) and provided them with the best equipment, uniforms and facilities possible. It is also notable that despite having to rent the ballpark in which the Monarchs played, he did not follow the standards of the day and opened all parts of the park to all fans, regardless of race.
This is a book that readers who are interested in the team or the Negro Leagues, especially with the increased attention those leagues have received after obtaining the long overdue major league status, should pick up and learn the story of one of the most storied franchises.
I wish to thank McFarland for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Book Format Read:
E-book (PDF)
Buying Links:
https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/jl-wilkinson-and-the-kansas-city-monarchs/
No comments:
Post a Comment