Brooklyn Royal Giants 1919 Team Photo

Own a piece of Negro League history with this museum-quality reproduction of the 1919 Brooklyn Royal Giants team photograph. This rare historical image captures one of Black baseball's most storied franchises during a pivotal transitional season, featuring three future legends and the complete roster of players who helped define the golden age of Negro League baseball.

This 5x7 inch photograph is elegantly presented with a crisp white mat and classic black frame, ready to display in your home, office, or collection. The image quality preserves the remarkable detail of this century-old photograph, allowing you to see the faces of the pioneers who fought for dignity and excellence on and off the field.

Featured Legends in This Historic 1919 Team Photo:

Louis Santop - Baseball Hall of Famer (inducted 2006), known as "Big Bertha," the first Negro League superstar. The towering 6-foot-4 catcher returned from Navy service in late May 1919 and immediately dominated, hitting an astounding .464 for Brooklyn that season, second-best in the East.

Oliver "The Ghost" Marcelle - Considered one of the greatest defensive third basemen in Negro League history, voted ahead of Hall of Famers Ray Dandridge and Judy Johnson in a 1952 Pittsburgh Courier poll. In only his second professional season in 1919, the 21-year-old batted over .400 and played 10 feet closer to home plate than any other third baseman dared.

Dick "Cannonball" Redding - Legendary pitcher and player-manager who returned from WWI combat service in France. His blazing fastball earned comparisons to Walter Johnson, and he reportedly threw 30 no-hitters during his career. He once struck out Babe Ruth three times on just nine pitches and Casey Stengel declared, "You can keep Satchel Paige, I'll take Cannonball Redding."

Additional Players Captured in This Historic Photograph:

Red Ryan (P) - Versatile pitcher and outfielder who provided solid pitching for the Royal Giants during the 1919 season. He was known for his consistent play in the competitive eastern leagues.

Harry Kenyon (2B) - Multi-talented player who contributed at second base, outfield, and even pitched when needed for the Royal Giants in 1919-1920. His versatility made him valuable during the team's independent years before the formation of the major Negro Leagues.

Robert Sloan (LF) - Outfielder who patrolled left field for the Brooklyn Royal Giants in 1919 and 1921. He played several years in the Negro Leagues during the late 1910s and early 1920s.

Eddie Douglass (1B) - First baseman who anchored the infield for the 1919 Brooklyn Royal Giants. He was a steady presence at first base during this transitional season.

H.B. Harris (Coach) - Team business manager and coach whose leadership was instrumental in bringing talent to the Royal Giants organization. His presence highlights the importance of the dedicated personnel who supported these pioneering athletes.

The 1919 season was a challenging year for the Royal Giants, who finished 2-13 as they rebuilt following World War I. Both Santop and Redding returned mid-season from military service, bringing their exceptional talents back to a team in transition. Despite the losing record, this photograph captures a moment of remarkable resilience—a complete team of pioneers who served their country in wartime and returned to continue breaking barriers in America's pastime.

This team played their home games at the historic Dexter Park in Woodhaven, Queens, just across the Brooklyn border. Founded in 1905 by Brooklyn Royal Cafe owner John Wilson Connor, the Royal Giants claimed Eastern championships in 1909, 1910, 1914, and 1916, and competed at the highest levels of Black baseball for 37 years until 1942.

The players in this photograph faced not only opposing teams but also the daily indignities of segregation, exclusion from organized baseball, and limited opportunities despite world-class talent. Yet they persevered, creating a legacy that would eventually help pave the way for Jackie Robinson and the integration of Major League Baseball.

Perfect for historians, baseball enthusiasts, collectors of African American memorabilia, Brooklyn heritage lovers, or anyone who appreciates the rich history of America's game. This framed photo serves as a powerful reminder of the courage, talent, and determination of the men who built Negro League baseball into a cultural institution.

Each frame includes a protective glass front and comes ready to hang or display on a desk or shelf. The white mat provides elegant contrast while the black frame offers timeless sophistication that complements any décor.