ABOUT THIS ENTRY

On October 2020, TBS aired a four-part historical series “Field of Dreams…Deferred” to mark and celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the Negro Leagues.

How does this represent “Excellence in Engagement”?

Objective: The series takes viewers on a journey into the history of the Negro Leagues, from its inception in 1920 under the guidance of Andrew “Rube” Foster – a former player, manager and owner for the Chicago American Giants to the golden age of the organization which included Josh Gibson, Satchel Paige, Buck Leonard and James “Cool Papa’’ Bell. Field of Dreams shows the viewers how the Negro Leagues were integrated into MLB with Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier and wraps up with the lingering questions of how it all ended.

Strategy & Execution: The first stat on record by an African American in the major leagues was recorded on April 15th, 1947. A 5 to 3 ground out by Jackie Robinson. That day wasn't Jackie's first game of professional baseball. His first game in fact, took place with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues, which in 2020 celebrated its 100th anniversary. There's a century's worth of the league's history virtually unknown to many baseball fans. The integration of Major League Baseball didn't just impact the players on the field, but it had just as big of an impact, if not bigger, on the team owners, the coaches, sportswriters, and women who were a part of the Negro Leagues. The “Field of Dreams… Deferred” documentary tells the story of the Negro Leagues through the players who played the game, and the historians who have dedicated their lives to preserving its history.

Results:

Along with telling a unique story on the history of the Negro Leagues, Bleacher Report raised money for the Negro League Hall of Fame Museum by selling exclusive apparel inspired by “Field of Dreams…Deferred”. This apparel was featured on Bleacher Report.com and sold out within a week. All of the proceeds were donated to the Negro League Hall of Fame Museum.