Wes Singletary writes an interesting biography on John Henry "Pop" Lloyd in The Right Time. The book is the story of how prolific Lloyd was even though he was never allowed to play in the White baseball leagues. He garnered the respect of players of his time and the interest of the baseball fans in ours. ( )

I really enjoyed Wes Singletary's The Right Time: John Henry Lloyd and Black Baseball. As advertised, it is not a biography, but rather a snapshot of Black Baseball during the early twentieth century, with "Pop" Lloyd the central figure. The play by play nature of the book provides a wealth of information regarding the nature of black baseball during this period, as well as black life outside of the chalked lines. While personal information on individuals such as Lloyd must be hard to find - it is not likely that these men left much in the way of letters or journals - you do get a definitive look at the character of men such as Lloyd in this book. Lloyd comes off as a great player and manager, as good as it gets, who is also revealed as a humanitarian and a good person. He traveled the world as not just an ambassador for black baseball, but for the American people. They loved him every where he went! The story of how this man gave up his life, black baseball, upon the news of his dear wife's passing, moves all of us to question whether we would not have done the same thing given his situation. And for Lloyd to move on, finally, touching the lives of Atlantic City's youth the was he did, in spite of the employment restraints he was limited by, transcends the game. This was an outstanding person; this is a good book. Singletary has done Lloyd proud. ( )

This was a book I really wanted to like. However, the mind-numbing inning-by-inning detail made me want to put the book down. The book provides very little information about John Lloyd. Perhaps little information exists about his life on the field. Singletary drops bits of Black history into his narrative, but he doesn't really connect these events to Black baseball. For example he mentions the death of Booker T. washington, but the reader is left wondering how Washington or his death affected Black baseball. I have a limited knowledge of Negro League baseball, so it's difficult for me to determine if Singletary is breaking new ground here. ( )

If you are a die-hard baseball fan that likes play by play descriptions and a lot of numbers and statistics, this book is for you. However, although I am an avid New York Yankees fan, and can say that I enjoy baseball, this book was very boring too me. I was hoping to get more of a glimpse of Lloyd's personal struggle and more concrete examples of what a gentleman and role model he was. Descriptions of his great moral character were scattered sparsely throughout the book, but I really don't feel that I got to know Lloyd at all, outside of baseball. However, I get the impression that not much is known about him personally, especially since it not quite known where he was born!!!!!!!!

I did get a clear picture of the racism that existed back then, reflected in Lloyd's nickname, "Bemba de Cuchara", meaning big or spoon lips. Plus, the amount of lynchings that occurred and how Jim Crow was in full swing were vividly described.

In addition, the book did have some interesting tidbits of information that tried to break up the monotony of the numbers and statistics. For example, it was interesting about the ball players waiting tables at resorts in Palm Beach and playing baseball on the side to entertain the guests, and that the criteria for hire was the ability to play baseball. Also, that the players couldn't afford equipment such as masks, so poor Lloyd behind the plate suffered until his eyes were swollen shout. After this he wore a wire paper basket and then, decided to switch to shortstop, which would be safer!!!!!!! I also was surprised that he was big back then for a shortstop, considering now that Jeter, NY Yankee shortstop, is 6' 3" and 195 pounds. The release and then ban of the "Birth of a Nation" movie that supported white supremacy and depicted the KKK as saviors, and that blacks were affected by the draft more than whites were also very interesting facts.

Another interesting fact is that after the Civil War, baseball was integrated, but Adrian Anson, future hall of famer, led the way to closing the baseball doors to blacks. Also, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch gave what was thought to be a great endorsement for the baseball and overall athletic ability of the black player, stating that baseball may have to be referred to as the great African game. But, then chalked up the success to blacks being like apes, having such qualities as a stronger and surer grip! Also, it was quite interesting to note the acquittal of a black man who was defending his home against a white intruder, but at the same time another black man was tortured and decapitated. So, at several points, you start to feel that things were starting to change for the better, but then you realize that there was still a long way to go.

It was hard to keep up with all the different team names, and the dizzying number of teams bearing the name ,"Giants". But, the outlaw of trick pitches, including spitball was implemented due to the death of Ray Chapman of the Cleveland Indians, who was killed by a fastball was a fascinating fact. The data that really puzzles me is that black baseball wanted so badly to join the major leagues. But, they engaged in rampant gambling, demonstrated most strongly by the indictment of 8 Chicago Black Sox players conspiring with gamblers to throw the 1919 World Series, which most certainly didn't help the desegregation cause.

Being a Yankee fan, I like the fact that black baseball was allowed to play at Yankee Stadium, the "House that Ruth Built". But, it was disappointing that except for the 1930 benefit game, the crowds just weren't there in support. One explanation was that $1 to watch the Black Yankees was too steep for people to pay, especially since they could pay the same amount and see the real Yankees. It also was a downer to know that after the second benefit game played at Yankee stadium, the players were not even paid because of a deficit. I agree with the statement in the book that there should have been a minimum wage guaranteed for the players, especially since they were the major supporters of the benefit. As the book states, if Lloyd accepted such an agreement, then maybe he wasn't such a good businessman, and I agree.

Lastly, it was sad to note that Lloyd wasn't alive to see his induction into the Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, but at least he got to see Jackie Robinson play, especially since it was his blood, sweat, and tears that paved the way for such a historic event.

With all that said, the book is not an easy read, and even with the splattering of some interesting facts throughout the book, this was not enough to save the book. I personally wouldn't recommend this book to anyone, unless they are a true baseball historian!!!!!!!!!!! ( )

My family enjoyed this book! I did not of anyone famouns in baseball who was african american other than Jackie Robinson. John Henry was an extraordinary baseball player who prevailed against the odds. Before there was Jackie there was John Henry. Like most stories of struggle ther is always one that doesn't get the attention of the media due to the region or some other unfortunate circumstance. I enjoyed this book and would recommend this book to any parent who is trying to teach a child about appreciating a "gift" and using despite the obstacles.