The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings with Ben Railton

About this episode

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 389) — Are you a baseball fan? Today we're digging into some baseball history as it was depicted in the 1976 movie "The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings." Learn about the history of barnstorming baseball teams with Ben Railton, Professor of American Studies at Fitchburg State University. We'll discuss how the movie's characters mirror real legends like Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and Jackie Robinson. Ben is the host of the podcast Baseball, Bigotry and the Battle for America and author of Of Thee I Sing: Race and American Patriotism. Guest Links • Black and White and Read: https://links.boatspodcast.com/389guest • Ben Railton's Podcast: https://links.boatspodcast.com/389podcast • Of Thee I Sing: The Contested History of American Patriotism: https://links.boatspodcast.com/389book Chapters 0:00 Intro & Movie Synopsis 3:45 Guest Introduction & Historical Accuracy Grade 7:22 Characters & Real-Life Parallels 10:13 Negro Leagues & Barnstorming Context 17:05 Owner Violence & Labor Activism 20:41 Performance, The Invite Pitch & House of David 32:51 Hardships & The Climactic Game 42:40 Jackie Robinson & End of an Era 49:19 Wrap U