Book excerpt: From 1865 - 1887, few blacks played professional baseball. By mid 1887, blacks were banned altogether. But this didn't stop these baseball lovers from playing. What did they do? They formed their own teams and barnstormed the nation; they also formed their own leagues and played against all-white teams. It was not unusual for players to suit up for 2-3 teams in 1 season, nor for them to travel west or south to warmer climates (including Cuba and Puerto Rico) during the winter months. Many made a name for themselves,and several are currently enshrined in Baseball's Hall of Fame.