
GameDay Network
Effa Manley: A Trailblazer in Baseball and Civil Rights
September 2, 2025
In Focus
Explore the life of Effa Manley, a baseball icon and civil rights leader who made history as the first African American woman in the Hall of Fame.
Effa Manley, notable for her induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, stands out as the only African American woman to achieve this honor. Beyond her iconic status in baseball, Manley was a co-owner and general manager of the Newark Eagles in the Negro Leagues from 1936 to 1948. She was known for her astute business skills and commitment to civil rights, initiating movements such as 'Don't buy where you can't work,' advocating for employment opportunities for Black individuals in Newark. Her strategic use of her racial identity enabled her to navigate and modify the societal constraints of her time, making significant contributions both in sports and social justice.