Effa Manley, born on March 27, 1897, in Philadelphia, PA, was a trailblazing sports executive who made history as the first woman to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. She graduated from Penn Central High School in Pennsylvania in 1916 before entering the hatmaking business.
Effa was married to Abe Manley, who served as the vice president and treasurer of the Negro National League. Together, they co-owned the Newark Eagles, a professional baseball team in the Negro League. Effa took on the role of treasurer for the team and was actively involved in managing the business side of the organization.
Effa Manley's impact on the world of sports extended beyond just her role as a team owner. She was a fierce advocate for civil rights and actively participated in the movement for racial equality. In 1934, she organized a boycott of stores that refused to hire black salesclerks, showing her dedication to fighting against discrimination in all its forms.
Effa's contributions to the sport of baseball were finally recognized when she was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, a well-deserved honor for a woman who had broken down barriers and made history in a male-dominated industry. Her legacy lives on as an inspiration to all women who aspire to make their mark in the world of sports.
During her ownership of the Newark Eagles, Effa had the privilege of working with talented players like 7-time MLB All-Star Larry Doby. Together, they brought success to the team and helped to solidify the Eagles' reputation as a formidable force in the world of professional baseball.
Effa Manley's pioneering spirit and relentless drive to succeed have left an indelible mark on the history of sports. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, she faced countless obstacles and challenges, but she never wavered in her determination to succeed. Her legacy serves as a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and perseverance, anything is possible.