Reclaimed

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For decades, Black baseball players were excluded from the major leagues and forced to create their own space: the Negro Leagues. In “Reclaimed: The Forgotten League,” we’ll uncover the stories of some of these overlooked greats, including Norman “Turkey” Stearnes, one of the best hitters of all time. Overshadowed by racial prejudice and oppression, their legacy was hidden — but now, experts and family members reflect on their impact, which extended far beyond the game. We’ll discover how newly acknowledged Negro Leagues stats could rewrite history and redefine baseball’s roster of GOATs. Vanessa Ivy Rose, granddaughter of Turkey Stearnes, brings us on a quest to excavate the stories and stats of Black players who were shut out of the major leagues, a legacy that still haunts the sport. The series includes interviews with family and friends of Turkey Stearnes, including a living Negro Leagues player; never-before-published audio of Stearnes himself; and interviews with leading historians.Season 2 of this series, “The Story of Mamie Till-Mobley,” explored the story of the civil rights trailblazer before the death of her son, and was recognized with the Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Podcast. Season 1, “Tulsa’s Buried Truth,” covered the search for mass graves beneath Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the fight for justice for the descendants of the Black Americans killed in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

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Recent Reviews
  • PlayBallSF
    A Must Listen!
    Educational, eye-opening, engaging and entertaining. This is a must-listen for any baseball fan, and non-fans alike. I listened to The Forgotten League in a weekend and was sad when it ended.
  • grandrapidsboy
    My Dad
    My dad played for the Monarchs, Clowns and I can’t remember the third team, his name is Sherwood Brewer, nickname Woody, I’m going to definitely start listening to this podcast.
  • Lycanthrope51
    Truth hurts. Thanks for sharing .
    See PenName69, who is triggered by facts and history that clashes with his narrow minded gutless beliefs.
  • Wqewqeqe123213
    The most common type is an old
    I’m going to go ahead with my hair and make sure that
  • Turkey's Daughter
    Reclaimed: The Forgotten League
    The 6 episodes were enlightening, informative, educational, uplifting, factual, historical, entertaining, thought provoking and down right inspirational. I had moments where I wanted to cheer and I had moments where my eyes welled up with tears. The final episode left me yearning for more, so I hope the stories of the Negro Leaguers/Major Leaguers will continue because six episodes only scratch the surface of these talented hidden figures who were denied their rightful place in history. Vanessa and ABC News and their staff put together a phenomenal series that will resonate in the hearts of many, while carrying on the legacy of my dad Norman “Turkey” Stearnes and the Negro Leagues. The soundtrack is a keeper too. I loved it and I am proud of my daughter Vanessa for completing this two year magnificent project with Madeleine and her awesome staff.
  • Richelle Barge
    I couldn’t stop listening!
    Vanessa Ivy Rose did a wonderful job orating this series! I didn’t expect to get drawn into the stories, but her emotional connection & delivery made it easy for me to connect and tap in.
  • NuckolBall
    Forgotten league is sooo emotional
    This podcast brings the emotion of this league to life so beautifully. One minute I feel like the negro leagues were so romantic and fun. Next minute I’m angry and sad about the racism. And the host makes it so personal in just the right way.
  • bartybarty18
    Great work
    Personal stories mixed with big picture themes. Not shying away from the atrocities of racial segregation, but also highlighting the greatness that existed in the league. I really enjoyed this.
  • Jen S 50
    Powerful and Thought Provoking
    As a fan of history and of sports, I was super excited to listen to this podcast. I loved the energy that Vanessa Rose brought; listening to her felt like listening to an old friend tell a story. I learned new things about the history of the Negro Leagues and MLB, and enjoyed the personal stories interwoven throughout. I expected to learn new things about history and to be entertained. What I didn’t expect was to have my thinking about systemic racism and privilege challenged—in the best way. I believe we are all a work in progress, and this podcast made me re-examine some thoughts and personal ideas. I love that it was educational, heart warming, and pushed me to think. Definitely worth a listen!
  • USA Mknitter
    The Forgotten League (Season 3)
    Thank you very much for this sad historical, and current, commentary on racial discrimination in sports in our country. It also explains why many of the current MLB players are from the Caribbean and other Latin cultures. Also thanks for the explanation of current youth “travel” teams and why they’re such a magnet for young athletes, but at a great $. It also shows why skin color should not make a difference as to brain matter and physical abilities. Thanks for this podcast!
  • RIR36
    Powerful, thought-provoking, and game changing…
    If you’re looking for a podcast that will take you on a journey through hidden American history, extraordinary talent, and personal stories, then look no further than Reclaimed: The Forgotten League. The podcast is hosted by Vanessa Ivy Rose, who has an energetic voice and a genuine and empathetic approach to storytelling. She also happens to be the granddaughter of Negro Leagues star Turkey Stearnes. The podcast covers a range of topics, including the segregation and integration of professional baseball and its impact in Black players. It also highlights the equity gaps that still exist today in MLB and the opportunity that remains to rewrite history. In episode 5 titled “The Hall” the podcast explores how baseball institutions still fail to recognize the Negro Leaguers, and notes the fact that leadership needed to change in the past for change to happen in the future. The episode is both informative and emotional, and it’s a great example of the kind of storytelling that Reclaimed is known for. Overall, if you’re looking for a podcast that invites you think deeply about the history around you, learn about the overlooked greats of America’s favorite pastime, and touch on personal family stories, then Reclaimed: The Forgotten League is definitely worth the listen!
  • Nyarl de la Thotep
    Well balanced
    This is a well formed podcast that would be good for every “American” to listen to very closely. Thank you to the podcasters, even though it’d been better if it’d all been different (the world itself, not the podcast). The podcast takes its time to tell a good story.
  • Tlynn813
    So In-depth
    I love the how deep this is going.
  • alexthuan987
    Good
    Good
  • PenName69
    Forgotten for a reason
    I thought I was going to listening to an interesting historical baseball podcast. Instead I got lectured to by people who just want to divide us instead of bring us together. Do better ESPN.
  • bitcoin Bono
    If I can make a reservation
    I’m not going back to the office to go to the store and I have a couple things for my dad and my wife and I have
  • V.G.☀️
    Beautiful and powerful
    "Hope is a woman who has lost her fear." Alice Walker.
  • consciousdave
    Such an important story to tell
    I didn’t know much about Emmitt Till’s mother or family before, but now I can say I do. And I’m glad I do because Maimee was such a good person and deserves to have her story told. The amount of tragedy that befell her throughout her life was unfair but she kept trudging on and even went on to help other black mothers we well. I hope more people can come to appreciate her story
  • see K him kd
    Just beautiful
    Just beautiful and a gripping story I learned about emmet in history class and wanted to do some research this was so helpful
  • Rodders323
    Chilling
    Chills all the way through.
  • dtraindeelite
    Congratulations
    Amazing narrative! As a historian, this record is profound!
  • King/dee
    God take over
    The woman who lie in that boy is in bowling green ky she need to get time or something
  • Mrsketchys Review
    Incredible Podcast
    Thank you so much for sharing their stories. It‘s shocking to realize these events (Tulsa & Emmett’s Murder) occurred roughly around WWI and WWII. As we fought evil abroad, we let fester the rot of racism. These stories need to be taught in school. I never knew about any of them growing up. By design.
  • A Black Mother
    Heavy
    What a mom, Emmet would’ve been so proud of her. I am a mother and I’ve lost a son to SIDS some years ago. I was devastated & my pain so visceral I felt I needed to rip away at my very skin I was turned inside out and even a slight breeze against my face hurt…. I don’t think my pain could’ve compared to what she went through I can’t imagine the depth of her grief but I thank her for her strength and sacrifice
  • Deborah McCoy
    Mamie Till Mobley.
    Thank you and well done.
  • Rule26
    Much needed and informative.
    The narrator was articulate, spoken,and most of all intelligent. Thank you for not taking liberties which could have been defined as stereotypical or Afrocentric.
  • Dittyknitty
    Still hating
    To the fool who gave this one star and said “agenda instead of factual” I have one question What do YOU think the facts are you idiot!? Her son WAS murdered! This is a story about Mamie and it IS factual! There’s no way you could be this stupid and say a story about a woman’s life isn’t factual. Do you know her? Are you related to her? I’m going to say no! Stop hating and go sit down in the dark somewhere so we don’t ever see your face.
  • Ugh111
    Agenda
    Agenda instead of factual
  • ralwober
    A mother strength Let the World See
    What a powerful documentary of the horror that befell Emmett Till. My God I truly felt her pain; a scream for justice for all the mothers who have lost their children to the wicked hatred of man. I can’t even cry anymore it just sad. But I know one thing there is a God. If justice was not given here on earth, I know God will deliver what is coming to people who hate and kill with no remorse. Ms Carolyn if I was you I would confess real soon before you meet your maker. Like you said they are all dead now, so really it doesn’t matter they can’t do anything to you now. I was 5 months when Emmett Till was killed. I wonder how my mother felt. This Podcast was well done.
  • Bluekea
    A difficult but essential part of our history
    This is a hard part of our history to hear, but necessary for us to know. Thank you for telling it from Mamie’s perspective. The telling did justice to the evil of the Jim Crow South and the heroic grace and courage of mothers whose sons have been taken too soon.
  • wkmingus
    Terrible Incident
    I cannot imagine the pain of the Mother and her family. It's terrible what happened to Emmett. Hopefully, they are at peace now. Well done to the podcast for such a difficult subject.
  • maryannethelibrarian
    Excellent
    I’ve long known the short version of the tragic Emmett still story, but this gave so much more information about what happened. Hearing it from the voice of his mother made the story really come alive even though the murder happened so long ago. Thank you to those who produced this excellent coverage of what really happened to Emmett Till and May he and his mother Rest In Peace, united in eternity.
  • DinaJacobson
    Finest podcast I’ve ever heard
    This podcast represents all podcasts can be. Carefully researched, beautifully written. Creators obviously too their time seeking out interview subjects. They recreated the feel of the era through sound effects & music. Knew very little about Emmet Tills mother & not near enough about the story itself. She was so brave through her grief. This highlights a heartbreaking and still ongoing chapter in our nations history. I’m now looking forward to going to the first series.
  • RFM VT
    Beyond inspiring. It’s raw courage.
    I experienced every emotion listening to Mamie’s story. The story of what she had to traverse in life devastates, but her spirit is awe inspiring.
  • KamyKeel
    Masterpiece
    Undoubtedly one of the finest podcasts I’ve heard to date. I couldn’t watch the program however the podcast’s writers and producers do a more than adequate job painting the joys and horrors of the lives they showcase.
  • MaryAnn in WNC
    Excellent!
    One of the best podcasts I’ve ever heard. I was saddened, inspired and in awe of this special lady.
  • CFBrandt
    Emmitt Till
    Very very heartbreaking story but soooo well documented. Thank you for addressing Emmett Till’s hideous brutal death. His mother was a resilient resilient woman. God Bless their entire family.
  • breloug
    Beautifully poignant and powerful
    I’ve embarked on a journey to relearn history. Most of us learned this history through the ears, eyes and experience of a child. I’m choosing to relearn history through the ears, eyes and experience of an adult. This story was powerful to me as a child and it’s that much more powerful to me as an adult, especially in this time we inhabit. I hope everyone chooses to listen.
  • Newly Learned
    Thank you!
    Thank you! As I listened, I became sad and anxious as I do with any terrible injustice! Ultimately though, this podcast speaks truth to power! Such very important work and great work!
  • VicManocchio
    Very highly recommended
    Both season one and season two are inspirational, thought-provoking, and gut wrenching all at the same time. There is not one negative thing I can say about this podcast. Unfortunately, as a white male,I am disgusted that I’ve never heard the stories until now. Thank you for all your hard work and bringing the stories to the world. We need to hear them.
  • AK Ajijic
    Brilliant. Heart breaking.
    I started listening on a road trip and was driving, crying, hitting the steering wheel, I must have seemed crazy. The narrator has a perfect, professional, soothing voice. I could listen to her read the phone book. The mother…wow! What a lady. So strong and brave. A heartbreaking story. The USA…even after President Obama not much has changed. A hateful place which is why I left. Thank you for this podcast. 🙏🏼❤️
  • HariWhoIsBold&Brave
    The Truth finally Exposed
    After listening to these past three episodes, I am shocked that there is so much information that has never been covered in textbooks. I am also shocked that the NWACP, an organization that has been touted for supporting people of color and the Civil Rights Movements would turn against Mamie Till-Mobley simply over accusations that Till-Mobley was using them for her personal gain. If she needed something, she needed all the support she could have and it was unfair that the NWACP always touted people like Rosa Parks and MLK Jr. who both were revolutionary heroes and deserve a lot of respect but not a grieving mother, like Mamie Till-Mobley, who simply wanted justice for her son. I hope that everyone would listen to this amazing podcast and remember that history will repeat itself if no thorough actions are taken in time.
  • Bbbbbbbbssssdsdf
    Confused
    I can't understand how the episodes are released. They need to be in order.
  • Lolita6370
    In The Service Of Our Future.
    When events like the lynching of Emmett Till are not examined by those who have empathy, change is rare. Laying out our humanity so carefully. It will still be denied and ignored by many, but it’s real. The image of who African Americans are as humans has been so distorted for so long and has caused and continues to cause so much trauma. Too many names, too many families. I applaud every documentation of the character of those who have brought that violence, pain, and hurt upon us, based in nothing but mere falsehoods. This work is important. Not so we can frame those who hate us in any generalized terms or labels like it has been our experience. We (African Americans) were framed as naturally stupid by stupid men. Many of who held high positions and were greatly miseducated. Renowned philosophers and founders. But it takes genuine intelligence to show the villainous character of such brutality without painting an entire group with a broad brush. This work and all of those like it will serve as more than counter narrative. It is a fortifying mirror that allows everyone willing, to look hard and deep at truth. Truth creates positive, progressive change. Excellent work. I recommend highly. And I don’t say that about any and everything. 🙏🏾💜☮️
  • Chatta-mom
    Great Reporting
    This story makes you think and realize we as at society still have work to do….
  • MsOliviaPope
    Extremely well done
    So many well made points that I never knew. What a brave and powerful woman. But it is sad how the themes here echo in our public discourse today.
  • plant based Janice
    Very moving
    So moving and well done. Touches the heart well it presents the horrendous facts
  • AmberE
    Made my mother heart ache
    I hope everyone can listen to this and examine their heart. I can’t help but think of all of these southern people who profess to be Christian and yet can have this type of hatred. There is no place for it. If we consider ourselves religious or…human…we should not allow room for thinking of anyone as less than.
  • ElleBee1111
    Amazing storytelling
    Great writing and an important story!
  • Shabu82
    Insightful
    My heart weeps listening to this podcast. It illustrates just how evil racism and hate can be but also sheds light on the amazing strength of those left behind.
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