In the era of segregated baseball, Negro league pitcher Bingo Long (Williams) becomes tired of being exploited by black team owners. He lures away star players from around the league, including slugger Leon Carter (Jones) and Charlie Snow (Pryor), to create his own all-star team. They go barnstorming across the Midwest, playing anybody who is willing to pay them. Bingo signs up one particularly talented opponent, "Esquire" Joe Callaway (Stan Shaw).
Click here to see the rest of this review...
Meanwhile, with so many stars gone, the league starts losing attendance. Finally, the owners reluctantly agree to a one-game showdown: if Bingo wins, his team can join the league; lose, and the players disperse to their old teams. The owners have Leon kidnapped to ensure victory, but he manages to escape and return in time to drive in the winning run.
In the stands is a scout from the white major leagues. He is so impressed with Esquire Joe, he offers the young man the opportunity to be the one to desegregate baseball. Joe is careful to get Bingo's permission first. Leon realizes that if Joe succeeds in breaking the color barrier, the Negro leagues are doomed, but Bingo has all sorts of crazy ideas to draw crowds in.
Best part of story, including ending:
Like A League of Their Own, it sheds light on a neglected period in baseball history. And it has plenty of whimsical charm and comedy.
Best scene in story:
The final scene, where Bingo cheers Leon up, shows off Bingo's irrepressible optimism.
Opinion about the main character:
Bingo is always upbeat and ready with a scheme to get himself out of trouble.
