What a treat this is! I sat down for this interview with Junius "Red" Gaten at his home in Chicago in 2004, a year before he passed away at the age of 104! Mr. Gaten was a social activist, musician, entrepreneur...and a former errand boy for mob boss Al Capone! A member of the American Communist Party during the 1940s, Gaten helped picket games at major league ballparks in an effort to desegregate the majors. He got the nickname "Red", not only from his communist leanings, but also because of the the actual color of his hair as well! Gaten personally knew Andrew Rube Foster, "the father" and founder of the Negro Leagues. An eyewitness to the early days of Negro League baseball, his insights and recall are simply remarkable. This episode is a treasure for those who wish to learn about who Rube Foster was from someone who knew him well, worked for him, and played with him. THIS is pure gold! PLAY BALL!
Negro Baseball Leagues
Black Baseball
Andrew Rube Foster
C. I. Taylor
Chicago
Centennial Celebration
Baseball
Baseball history
NLBM