African American Baseball in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
For 85 years, starting with the Pythians and Excelsiors in 1867, Black ball clubs were a significant part of the Philadelphia scene. The Giants, formed 1902, were soon "World's Colored Champions." The Hilldales, Eastern Colored League Champions, 1923-25, won the Colored World Series, 1925. The Philadelphia Stars from 1933-52; they were in the Negro National League, 1933-48, & many of their games took place at this site.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
For more than eight decades, Black baseball thrived in Philadelphia, from the Pythians and Excelsiors of 1867 to the great professional clubs of the twentieth century. The Philadelphia Giants claimed early championships, the Hilldale club won the 1925 Colored World Series, and the Philadelphia Stars competed in the Negro National League. These teams built a proud institution while the major leagues remained closed to Black players.
Why it matters
Philadelphia's Black ball clubs preserved a place for African American athletes and communities in the national pastime through the long decades of segregation.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia3.7 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center3.8 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bridgette Mayer3.8 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center3.8 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center3.9 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Congress Hall3.9 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge1.0 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo1.0 mi away
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir1.1 mi away
- American Bandstand1.3 mi away
- Rocky Steps2.0 mi away
- The Universal Sphere2.8 mi away
Food & drink
- Burger King3.7 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory3.7 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe3.7 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- El Azteca3.8 mi away
- Dunkin'3.8 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Park’s Salad Bar3.8 mi away
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia3.2 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City3.2 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel3.2 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center3.2 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA3.3 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Marriott Downtown3.3 mi away · 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related events
- · Negro National League
Themes & tags
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