The Stars Shone on Philadelphia

<p>In 1934 Ed Bolden's Philadelphia Stars joined the new Negro National League II (NNL2) which had been founded one year earlier. After fending off their intrastate-rivals the Pittsburgh Crawfords the Stars claimed the NNL2's second-half championship and faced the first-half champions for the title. They defeated the Chicago American Giants to claim the NNL2 crown.</p><p><br></p><p>Over two dozen SABR members researched the Stars' history for this book which includes biographies of as many of the team's players as possible even those who participated in only a single game. The 1934 Stars featured future Hall of Famers Raleigh Biz Mackey and Jud Wilson; stalwarts like Phil Cockrell Webster McDonald and Chaney White; shooting star Stewart Slim Jones; and temporary fill-ins like Frederick Coleman and Clifford Whip Irons.</p><p><br></p><p>Majority owner Ed Bolden a vital figure in the history of Philadelphia baseball and minority owner/booking agent Eddie Gottlieb-who is better known to basketball fans-are both featured as well along with the history of the Stars' home ballpark in 1934 Passon Field named after another prominent local baseball entrepreneur. Also included is a complete season timeline articles about select games such as the epic September 9 Satchel Paige-Slim Jones pitching duel at Yankee Stadium and a comprehensive write-up of the NNL2 championship series complete this portrait of the 1934 title-winning team.</p>