More than a century after he organized the first Negro National League, Andrew “Rube” Foster’s influence on baseball and Black entrepreneurship is still felt. A new biography, “Game Changer: Rube Foster and the Birth of Black Baseball,” examines the life of the pitcher, manager and visionary who created opportunities for African American players during an era of segregation. 

The book, by former Major League Baseball scout Michael E., chronicles Foster’s rise from player to league founder, detailing his leadership, innovation and commitment to building a sustainable business model for Black baseball teams. Foster gathered a handful of team owners in Kansas City and dared to create a league of their own, laying the foundation for what became known as the Negro Leagues. 

Foster’s impact went beyond the diamond. He encouraged Black entrepreneurship, shaped team operations and created a platform for athletes who were excluded from Major League Baseball. He was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006, recognized as one of the architects of the modern game. 

Michael E. said the book aims to connect past, present and future generations to Foster’s enduring legacy. Proceeds from the publication will help fund a documentary on Foster’s life and support charitable initiatives. The book is available in paperback through Amazon and the author’s website, feoa.info. 

“Every time a player steps onto the field from the sandlots to the major leagues, the spirit of Rube Foster is there,” Michael E. said. “His story is not just baseball history; it is American history.”