Question

Which of the following were reasons for the segregation of professional baseball?
Check all of the boxes that apply.

Some white owners feared that white fans would not pay to watch African Americans.

Some white players were unwilling to play with or against African Americans.

African Americans and whites had difficulty traveling together in some areas of the country.

All African Americans did not want to play with white players.

Answer 1

Select the first three. Explanations:

- Some white owners feared that white fans would not pay to watch African Americans. — True. Owners worried about losing attendance and revenue if teams integrated.
- Some white players were unwilling to play with or against African Americans. — True. Racial prejudice among players helped enforce the informal color line.
- African Americans and whites had difficulty traveling together in some areas of the country. — True. Jim Crow laws and discriminatory accommodations made travel and scheduling a practical obstacle.
- All African Americans did not want to play with white players. — False. Many Black players wanted to play in the major leagues but were barred by segregation.