Baseball Barnstorming and Exhibition Games, 1901-1962: A History of Off-Season Major League Play

by Thomas Barthel

Until 1947, professional ball players were paid only from opening day to season's end. Even during the season, a lot of their expenses came out of their own pockets. Even the best-paid players had trouble making ends meet. One answer to their money woes was barnstorming--tours out of season. Cities lacking their own major league teams were happy to host big-league players for such events, as well as for special exhibition games whose proceeds sometimes went to local charities. Here is a history of barnstorming and exhibition games from 1901 (when both of the two current major leagues began operating) through 1962 (when a team led by Willie Mays was unsuccessful in its attempt at a tour, signaling an end to true barnstorming). Decade by decade, it covers the teams, the games, and the players for a detailed look at how barnstorming and exhibition brought big-league baseball to the backyard ballparks of America.

283 pages, Paperback

First published March 21, 2007

Reviews

[Andy Polizzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nice history of barnstorming and exhibition games played by major league teams during the first half of the last century. Well-researched, what must have been a difficult task considering the lack of coverage and the difficulty a century later in digging up articles on same.

An interesting look into a simpler time when players supplemented their six-month income with winter jobs and played post-season games for a few dollars a game.

[James Freeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not a baseball fan, but I am a fan of the history. Baseball Barnstorming and Exhibition Games, 1901–1962 is less about the sport and more about the people—players hustling to make a living in the off-season, small towns excitement to see big league players, and a country in motion. It’s a glimpse into a forgotten side of American history.