BLACK DIAMOND KINGS: Poetry on the Pitch

 It's only mid-January. Football season hasn't fully wrapped up yet, basketball is in early stages, and winter Olympics are in the spotlight. Even so, I'm calling out my own eagerness for days when SPRING TRAINING has begun. I don't think I'm alone. 

Baseball season allows fans to "get to know" their favorite players, day after day, month after month. Games last long. Some see that as a problem, but I like the time it allows to let both games and personalities unfold. That was even more true when baseball began, teams were locally claimed by their communities, and low payrolls meant players were part of those communities. That's the era in which not everything was rosy. In fact, it "normalized" many evils, including segregation, the Negro League, and countless injustices. 

That era did allow Black communities and players to know each other intimately, but it prevented the wider community from realizing the talent, the brilliance that was being denied a well-deserved stage. 

CANDLEWICK PRESS, 2025

BLACK DIAMONDS KINGS, written by Charles R Smith Jr. and illustrated by Adrian Brandon. Both creators are kings in their own realms: Smith for poems celebrating Black excellence in sports and Brandon in painting and printmaking to reveal a sprawling landscape of Black life not typically portrayed. Just as Black History Month (February) is not meant to limit the attention we give to the stories and individuals who contributed to our shared history, Poetry Month (April) isn't meant to exclude this important genre from the other eleven months of the year. 

That's why I'm excited to share this remarkable picture book now, as the year begins. It deserves a place on our shelves all year, and in many contexts. Each poem portrays a notable Black baseball "king", capturing in varied poetry forms the elements of each remarkably talented life on brilliantly-illustrated pages that saturate and signify key features of each man honored here.

It's notable that Leroy Robert "Satchel" Paige begins the book with the title "INTRODUCING". The irony here is not to be taken lightly. Even non-baseball fans, even younger folks, are more likely to be aware of this icon of the NEGRO LEAGUES than any other. Even so, their awareness is superficial. His power, grace, strength, and finesse are captured in both the fireworks-action-packed pitching pose and the snapping, cracking, rhymed and rhythmic poem that stretches down the page. 

That re-introduction and expanding perspective sets up page turns that each reveal names lesser known but deserving of the titles of "KING". Many have nicknames that suggest their distinctive talents, personalities, and patterns on the field (Pop, Buck, Cool Papa, and more). Each had qualities that would, in modern baseball, earn seven-figure salaries, advertising contracts, and so much more. Back matter offers brief author notes as if on the the flip side of baseball cards, indicating where/how/why the players' lives and noted features inspired various approaches to each poem, as well as their years playing and a few stats. Following that, a two-page spread addresses facts about the Negro League. 

As poetry, this picture book could well be shelved in nonfiction, incorporating researched details about powerful American heroes and history. The work as a whole serves as a pattern for those doing research on lesser-known figures, suggesting ways to share both prose and poetic content that will open eyes and minds to remarkable leaders. Anyone who enjoys superheroes or has an interest in art would enjoy (and perhaps attempt to emulate?) the dramatic and expressive illustrations for each baseball hero. In total, this offers the excitement of a season to come combined with the thrilling lives of seasons past. Don't miss out!