Only the Ball Was White
“An Inspirational Documentary About the Forgotten Athletes of Baseball's Negro League”
Synopsis
Throughout the 1900's, before Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier in 1946, black baseball talent blossomed in the Negro Leagues. Baseball buffs still sing the praises of Josh Gibson who could be counted on to hit 70 homeruns in a season, and Satchel Paige who pitched over 100 no-hitters in his career. Only the Ball Was White pays tribute to the many topflight players from the Negro Leagues. Narrated by actor Paul Winfield, the program documents a bygone bittersweet era in baseball and the men who were denied stardom by the color line. Ballplayers throughout the country were interviewed for this program, all of them quick to tell tales of the life, the competition, and the camaraderie. These include: Satchel Paige, Roy Campanella, Buck Leonard, Jimmy Crutchfield, David Malarcher, Effa Manley, and Quincy Trouppe.
Top Cast
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Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Ken Solarz
- Screenplay & Story
- Ken Solarz
- Original Score
- John Stiernberg
- Original Title
- Only the Ball Was White
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 30m
- Production Studios
- WTTW/Chicago
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Ken Solarz
Ken Solarz
John Stiernberg
Jay Tannenbaum
Ken Solarz
Department Leadership Roster
Ken Solarz
Producer
Ken Solarz
Writer
Ken Solarz
Director
Jay Tannenbaum
Editor
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
G: General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
International Certification Matrix
General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Only the Ball Was White.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Only the Ball Was White
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Only the Ball Was White about?
Throughout the 1900's, before Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier in 1946, black baseball talent blossomed in the Negro Leagues. Baseball buffs still sing the praises of Josh Gibson who could be counted on to hit 70 homeruns in a season, and Satchel Paige who pitched over 100 no-hitters in his career. Only the Ball Was White pays tribute to the many topflight players from the Negro Leagues. Narrated by actor Paul Winfield, the program documents a bygone bittersweet era in baseball and the men who were denied stardom by the color line. Ballplayers throughout the country were interviewed for this program, all of them quick to tell tales of the life, the competition, and the camaraderie. These include: Satchel Paige, Roy Campanella, Buck Leonard, Jimmy Crutchfield, David Malarcher, Effa Manley, and Quincy Trouppe.
Who directed Only the Ball Was White?
Only the Ball Was White was directed by Ken Solarz.
Who stars in Only the Ball Was White?
The principal cast of Only the Ball Was White includes Paul Winfield, Effa Manley, Don Newcombe, Leroy 'Satchel' Paige, Buck Leonard.
When was Only the Ball Was White released and how long is it?
Only the Ball Was White was released in 1980 with a total runtime of 30m.
Who composed the musical score for Only the Ball Was White?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Only the Ball Was White was composed by John Stiernberg.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Only the Ball Was White?
Only the Ball Was White holds official age classifications: US: G (General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.).