Longing for More Bingo

Jeff (from my writing group) has been working on a screenplay based in the era of the Negro Leagues. I’ve loved this project of his, not only because it is well written, but because that period of American history has so much depth that has yet to be mined.

And, well, it just plain fascinates me.

There was that wonderful X-Files episode from that era, and of course Bingo Long and His Traveling All Stars and Motor Kings of oh so long ago (Billy Dee and James Earl playing nice before that fateful meeting on Cloud City…).

And who can forget all the other movies on the Negro leagues, like, uh, uhmmm… Let’s see, I’m sure that there have been more… Does seeing a poster for Broadway’s Fences count?

Surely there is a way to find out more about this fascinating era? Surely we won’t be left thinking that the best hitters were all aliens (thanks, Chris Carter)? Surely there’s a point to Sean writing this blog, other than to call you Shirley three times?

Jeff’s partner, Byron Motley has co-written a book with his dad called Ruling Over Monarchs, Giants & Stars (now available for purchase). You see, Byron’s dad is a living legend – the last remaining umpire for the Negro leagues.

But the book isn’t just baseball (is anything “just baseball”?), as the elder Motley recounts growing up in the KKK infested south, and his travails as one of America’s first black Marines.

(Appropriate shout out to the Marines, and 2^nd Lieutenant Gaffney now serving abroad. Semper fi!)

So take a stroll through history – one that, despite our shortcomings, is made proud by the likes of Bob Motley.

Just my thoughts,

Sean