Only the Ball Was White (1980): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1980, Only the Ball Was White is a documentary film directed by Ken Solarz, running about 30 minutes. “An Inspirational Documentary About the Forgotten Athletes of Baseball's Negro League” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s 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’s in it. Only the Ball Was White stars Paul Winfield as Narrator.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Only the Ball Was White page.

If you liked it. Fans of Only the Ball Was White tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.