BLACKBALLED: THE RISE AND FALL OF NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL Debuts At Hollywood Fringe

Based on the incredible true story of Negro league baseball this new ensemble play takes an intimate look at an often over-looked moment in history. During it's peak Negro league baseball was an organization worth millions of dollars and then almost overnight it was all but destroyed. "BlackBalled" follows the stories of the owners who helped pioneer one of the largest African-American enterprises in history. Effa Manley, the first and thus far only woman inducted into the baseball hall of fame. Cumberland Posey, the only man to be inducted into both the baseball & basketball hall of fame. Gus Greenlee, the first African-American to own his own professional baseball field. Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to break the infamous color barrier of Major League Baseball. All of these people come together to tell this amazing story detailing the rise and fall of Negro league baseball.

Writer and director Matthew S. Robinson was inspired to do this story by his baseball loving family. His father played baseball in college on a full-ride scholarship, several of his family members played games in Negro League baseball including his great-grandfather who played for a season with the Cincinnati Tigers. Always fascinated by the untold stories of history "BlackBalled" is in some ways a spiritual successor to "Mary's Medicine" Robinson's biographical piece from the 2017 Hollywood Fringe. Whether you are a fan of baseball or not, the human element of this story transcends any stat book or sporting event.

Written/Directed by Matthew S. Robinson the ensemble cast features; Asia Pitts, Twon Pope, Alex Skinner, David Cork & Robby DeVillez

"BlackBalled" will be performed on the Ruby Stage at the Complex 6472 Santa Monica Blvd. Hollywood, CA

Running Time: 60 minutes. $15 per ticket.

For tickets hff18.org/5051

PERFORMANCE DATES

Sunday June 3rd, 6pm (preview)

Thursday June 7th, 9pm

Thursday June 14th, 7.30pm

Saturday June 16th, 7pm

Saturday June 23rd, 4.30pm

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