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This book brings to light the story of a Negro League and Pacific Coast League star, his struggles to make it in the majors, and his crucial role in integrating baseball’s premier minor league.
Artie Wilson once was the best shortstop in baseball. In 1948 Artie led all of baseball with a .402 batting average for the Birmingham Black Barons, the last hitter in the top level of pro ball to hit .400. But during much of his career, Organized Baseball passed Artie by because he was black.
In Singles and Smiles: How Artie Wilson Broke Baseball's Color Barrier, Gaylon H. White provides a fascinating account of Wilson’s life and career. An All-Star in the Negro Leagues, in 1949 Artie became only the second black player in the Pacific Coast League (PCL) and the first to play for the Oakland Oaks. Wilson soon became one of the league’s most popular players with white and black fans alike through his consistent play and optimistic, upbeat attitude. In 1951 Artie finally got a chance to play in the majors with the New York Giants, but after batting a mere twenty-four times he urged Giants manager Leo Durocher to send him back to the minors and bring up a former Black Barons teammate to take his place—Willie Mays.
While Jackie Robinson deserves all the credit he has received for breaking baseball’s color barrier at the major-league level, this book pays tribute to those such as Artie Wilson who changed the game in the minors—pioneers in their own right. Featuring in-depth interviews with Artie alongside interviews with almost thirty of Artie’s teammates and opponents—including Willie Mays and Carl Erskine—Singles and Smiles imparts a treasure trove of stories that will entertain and inspire baseball fans of all generations.
About the author
Gaylon H. White is the author of four books, The Best Little Baseball Town in the World; Left on Base in the Bush Leagues; Singles and Smiles; and The Bilko Athletic Club. He is also the co-author with Ransom Jackson of Handsome Ransom Jackson: Accidental Big Leaguer. White was a sportswriter for the Denver Post, Arizona Republic, and Oklahoma Journal before working nearly 40 years for such varied companies as Hallmark Cards, Inc., The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, and Eastman Chemical Company. For more about White and his books, visit www.GaylonWhite.com.
Summary
Artie Wilson once was considered the best shortstop in baseball. But during much of his career, Organized Baseball passed Artie by because he was black. This book brings to light the story of a Negro League and minor league star, his struggles to make it in the majors, and his crucial role in integrating baseball's premier minor league.
