1934: The Chatham Coloured All-Stars - New Nonfiction Book Launched In Windsor

 Windsor Librarian and Author hits it out the Park

Last week it was all home runs for Biblioasis, a Windsor publishing house and bookstore when it launched a new book about the Chatham Coloured All-Stars baseball. Almost 100 years after becoming the first-All-Black team to win a provincial championship, the All-Stars’ story is now being told by an award-winning author and University of Windsor Librarian Dr. Heidi L. M. Jacobs.

 

The book "1934: The Chatham Coloured All-Stars' Barrier-Breaking Year," is published by Biblioasis. This non-fiction title sheds light on a significant milestone in the history of baseball and racial equality in Canada.

Formed in 1932 by a group of friends in Chatham, Ontario, the Chatham Coloured All-Stars became the first all-Black organized baseball team in the province. Initially, they embarked on tours throughout Ontario, often competing against all-white teams in exhibition games.  A year later they the Ontario Baseball Amateur Association and began playing in the city league,

In 1934, the team achieved an extraordinary feat by becoming the first all-Black team to secure a provincial OBAA championship. Their resounding victory not only made history but also paved the way for future generations of Canadian Black baseball players.

"1934: The Chatham Coloured All-Stars' Barrier-Breaking Year" pieces together in this compelling narrative. Drawing from scrapbooks, newspaper accounts, and oral histories shared by team members and their families, Dr. Jacobs paints a vivid portrait of a largely overlooked chapter in Black baseball. 

The story is set against the backdrop of the Great Depression. Chatham, a small industrial town near Windsor and the American border had a vibrant Black community. Their Chatham Coloured All-Stars' journey stands as a testament to their resilience and unwavering pursuit of respect and recognition. 

"1934: The Chatham Coloured All-Stars' Barrier-Breaking Year" serves as a powerful tribute to the All-Stars' indomitable spirit and remarkable achievements. Through Jacobs' compelling storytelling, this book not only celebrates the triumphs of a historic baseball team but also highlights the larger societal struggle for equality and justice.

Heidi L. M. Jacobs is a Canadian writer of both novels and non-fction titles, She won the 2020 Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour. She is also a librarian at the University of Windsor.  Pictured at the launch in Windsor is Blake Harding, Author Heidi Jacobs, Don Tabron, Dr Deirdre McCorkindale (professor of Black Canadian History at the University of Guelph).Both Mr Harding and Mr Tabron are relatives of All-Star team members.