This book, a reprint from 1994, follows the history of the Hilldale Club of Darby, Pennsylvania, from 1910 to 1932, and its role in the development of black professional baseball. Lanctot starts with the beginnings of baseball's popularity in Philadelphia from 1860 and traces the evolution of professional black baseball to the decline of the team during the Depression, as well as the administrative role of part owner Edward Bolden. He also considers Hilldale's relationship with white semiprofessional teams, Organized Baseball clubs, rival black franchises, and factors affecting local African American support. Bolden's involvement in the continued development of professional black baseball is described, including his formation and operation of the Eastern Colored League and Hilldale's participation in the first black World Series in 1924. Lanctot is a journalist and the author of Negro League Baseball: The Rise and Ruin of a Black Institution. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)