This episode is dedicated to our friend Kenny Cole, 1961-2026.

Al Crisafulli shares the story behind the only known Pete Hill signature available in private hands, a rare piece of Negro Leagues history that ultimately sold for more than $100,000. He traces the artifact’s journey from the estate of Hill’s former teammate Percy Wilson to the auction block and explores what its discovery says about the growing collector interest in Black baseball history. Al is then joined by Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, for a conversation about the players and personalities who shaped the Negro Leagues and why there is still more work to be done to ensure this history remains an essential part of the story of baseball.

https://loveofthegameauctions.com/
Produced by Brand Groupies - https://brandgroupies.com/
Theme music by Doug Stoley: http://www.stoley.com/
https://www.nlbm.com/

Episode highlights:
(0:57) The remarkable Pete Hill autograph and its discovery
(3:43) Authentication and the $104,400 auction result
(5:19) Bob Kendrick joins the conversation
(8:09) How Bob fell in love with Negro Leagues history
(11:47) What visitors misunderstand about the Negro Leagues
(17:53) The incredible story of Martín Dihigo
(22:42) Preserving rare Negro Leagues artifacts
(28:18) Historic treasures inside the museum
(31:26) The Negro Leagues as a major Black-owned business
(32:25) The economic cost of baseball integration
(39:10) Integrating Negro League statistics into MLB records
(43:43) The life lessons Bob wants young people to learn
(46:06) Buck O’Neill’s unforgettable Satchel Paige story
(50:25) MLB The Show introduces Negro Leagues history to millions
(54:45) Bob’s lifelong love of baseball and Henry Aaron
(57:39) Plans for the new Negro Leagues Baseball Museum