In 1907, the Brooklyn Royal Giants, Philadelphia Giants, Cuban Giants, and Cuban Stars of Havana join together as charter members of the newly established National Association of Colored Professional Clubs of the United States and Cuba, or more commonly known as the National Association (or the International League). Historical acknowledgment as an official league is a separate debate.
National Association Officers:
- President - Philadelphia Giants owner, Walter Schlichter.
- Vice President - Brooklyn Royal Giants owner, John W. Connor.
- Treasurer - Cuban Giants owner, John Bright.
- Secretary - booker/business manager, semipro owner, Nat Strong.
The Royal Giants win pennants in 1908 and 1909 and remain members until the circuit folds prior to the 1910 season.
Per the New York Age, this would have marked the first time in the history of colored baseball that a colored team would have played in this famous ballpark. Author, educator, and reformer, the Honorable Booker T. Washington was to throw out the first pitch.
Over at Washington Park, Brooklyn, the Superbas fell to the Giants in a morning game; the second game of their scheduled doubleheader was postponed due to rain, as were many other games throughout the New York City area.
"Playing on the grounds of the New York National League Club the famous Polo Grounds is a step nearer to the playing of games with the clubs of the National and American League Clubs in the future in this city." - The New York Age
Unfortunately, the Opening Day game slated for Saturday, May 30, 1908, was most likely rained out. I searched high and low for evidence of an outcome or postponement and so far have found neither. All anecdotal and circumstantial evidence points to Jupiter Pluvius being at fault.
A Rainy Memorial Day Parade at Grand Army Arch in Brooklyn
"To the Defenders of the Union, 1861-1865"
Over at Washington Park, Brooklyn, the Superbas fell to the Giants in a morning game; the second game of their scheduled doubleheader was postponed due to rain, as were many other games throughout the New York City area.
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