The Beat with Mike Wesson

The Beat with Mike Wesson


Archive Episode: An Umpire In The Negro Leagues

February 03, 2021

On the outside, segregation and Jim Crow. On the inside, "only the ball was white". Black players thrived during the zenith of America's past time. Baseball provided entertainment, culture and business. Not to be left out of the game were Negro League umpires. Bob Motley late, Negro League umpire shares his experience along with his son, multi-faceted artist, Byron Motley. From Sunday games to excited fans, Motley tells the story of game he remembers and loves. 

Note: Bob Motley passed away on September 14, 2017 at the age of 94.