A federal judge rules that Birmingham, Alabama laws against integrated playing fields are illegal

 

 

On October 31, 1961 — A federal judge rules that Birmingham, Alabama laws against integrated playing fields are illegal, eliminating the last barrier against integration in the Southern Association. The circuit will choose to disband rather than abide the ruling and will be replaced in 1964 by the integrated Southern League.

Southern Association, league president Hal Totten said Tuesday but whether any of the clubs will use Negroes next season is entirely up to, the clubs.” Totten said. “The league has never had any policy or regulation preventing Negroes from playing;” The’ last legal obstacle fell when a federal judge ruled white and negro players can play together.

“Louisiana also had a state law barring-both races from playing together but it too has been voided” Totten said. Atlanta had a Negro, Pumpie Green, on its roster a few seasons ago, but he never was in the lineup when the now-defunct Crackers appeared in New Orleans or Birmingham

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