Only the Ball Was White
1980, English. Directed by Ken Solarz.
An Inspirational Documentary About the Forgotten Athletes of Baseball's Negro League
Throughout the 1900's, before Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier in 1946, black baseball talent blossomed in the Negro Leagues. Baseball buffs still sing the praises of Josh Gibson who could be counted on to hit 70 homeruns in a season, and Satchel Paige who pitched over 100 no-hitters in his career. Only the Ball Was White pays tribute to the many topflight players from the Negro Leagues. Narrated by actor Paul Winfield, the program documents a bygone bittersweet era in baseball and the men who were denied stardom by the color line. Ballplayers throughout the country were interviewed for this program, all of them quick to tell tales of the life, the competition, and the camaraderie. These include: Satchel Paige, Roy Campanella, Buck Leonard, Jimmy Crutchfield, David Malarcher, Effa Manley, and Quincy Trouppe.
- Runtime
- 0h 30m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- G
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Where to watch Only the Ball Was White
Only the Ball Was White isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 21 February 1980.
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Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 21 February 1980
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Ken Solarz
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Only the Ball Was White: quick answers
Is Only the Ball Was White worth watching?
Only the Ball Was White doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is Only the Ball Was White?
Only the Ball Was White runs 30 minutes (0h 30m).
Does Only the Ball Was White have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Only the Ball Was White. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Only the Ball Was White parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Only the Ball Was White is rated G in India. That rating means it is generally fine for children.
Which OTT platform is Only the Ball Was White on?
Only the Ball Was White isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 21 February 1980. (Checked 11 November 2026.)
What movies are like Only the Ball Was White?
If you liked Only the Ball Was White, try The Class of ‘92, Sidney, Avatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/20.
Who directed Only the Ball Was White?
Only the Ball Was White (1980) was directed by Ken Solarz and stars Paul Winfield, Effa Manley, Don Newcombe.