Baseball Hall of Fame – Effa Manley

Effa-Manley-BHoF-Plaque — Effa Manley’s Baseball Hall of Fame plaque.

Effa Manley was the first (and currently only) woman ever inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.

The Special Committee on Negro Leagues selected Effa for her work as an executive for her team, the Newark Eagles (1935-1948).

The plaque reads:

Effa L. Manley
Brooklyn Eagles, 1935
Newark Eagles, 1936-1948

A trailblazing owner and tireless crusader in the Civil Rights Movement who earned the respect of her players and fellow owners. As business manager and co-owner of the Eagles, ensured team’s financial success with creative promotions and advertising. Beloved by fans because she integrated her players into the community and fielded consistently competitive teams, highlighted by a 1946 Negro Leagues World Series Championship. Represented team at league meetings and established a precedent of Negro Leagues clubs receiving fair compensation for players signed to Major League contracts.

On behalf of the family, Effa Manley’s niece, Connie Brooks (third from the left), attended the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony and accepted Effa’s plaque in 2006 at the Clarks Sports Center in Cooperstown located near the Baseball Hall of Fame. Also pictured (L to R) are Dale Petroskey and Jane Forbes of the Baseball Hall of Fame and Major League Baseball Commissioner, Bud Selig.

Years prior to Effa’s own induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, she advocated for and was instrumental in the induction of seven Newark Eagles baseball players. They are listed below.

Cynthia Moore, Effa’s great niece and contributor to this website, donated the below photos to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.

Effa Manley at approximately 17 years of age. This photo was gifted by her to her half-brother Jacob Brooks in 1914.

Studio photograph of Effa Manley
as a young woman.

Additional information about Effa Manley’s induction to the Baseball Hall of Fame, please note clicking the link will take you to an external website.

Other Awards & Recognition bestowed to Effa Manley.