Major League Rebels: Baseball Battles Over Workers’ Rights and American Empire

National Archives Museum
Online

Athletes have often used their platform to respond to and protest injustices, from Muhammad Ali and Colin Kaepernick to Billie Jean King and Megan Rapinoe. Compared to their counterparts, baseball players have often been more cautious about speaking out on controversial issues; but throughout the sport’s history, there have been many players who were willing to stand up and fight for what was right. Peter Dreier, co-author of Major League Rebels, will present a history of the baseball reformers and revolutionaries who challenged their sport and society—and in turn helped change America. The author will discuss a little-known yet important history of rebellion among professional ballplayers. These reformers took inspiration from the country’s dissenters and progressive movements, speaking and acting against abuses within their profession and their country. Major League Rebels profiles the courageous players who demanded better working conditions, battled against corporate power, and challenged America’s unjust wars, imperialism, and foreign policies.

All American: The Power of Sports is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation through the generous support of AT&T, AARP, and Mars, Incorporated. Additional support provided by HISTORY^® and the Lawrence F. O’Brien Family. Opening Month support provided by Anheuser-Busch.