Curve Ball: An Epperson's Tale

By Manessa Epperson

Curve Ball: An Epperson's Tale
By Manessa Epperson

Curve Ball: An Epperson's Tale is more than a sports narrative - it's a powerful, historically rooted story that brings to light a vital yet overlooked chapter in American history. This book follows the real-life journey of the Mineola Black Spiders, an all-Black barnstorming baseball team founded in East Texas during the Jim Crow era, and led by catcher Joshua Epperson and his sons Joe and Haywood Epperson.

Told through the voice of their descendant Manessa Epperson, this intergenerational tale of resilience, family, and legacy reveals the rich contributions of African American athletes who, despite segregation and systemic racism, created meaning, community, and history on and off the field.

Set in the deep South of the 1930s and beyond, Curve Ball weaves together themes of struggle, sacrifice, and triumph - making it an ideal tool for:

Black History Month programming

Middle and high school classroom discussion (Grades 7-12)

College-level African American studies and sports history

Cultural literacy and intergenerational storytelling initiatives

Key Educational Takeaways:

Understand the untold impact of unsung Black athletes and independent teams like the Mineola Black Spiders.

Explore the dynamics of Black fatherhood, family legacy, and perseverance under racial oppression.

Analyze the role of oral history, local archives, and grassroots remembrance in cultural preservation.

Why This Book Matters:

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0F9TVTS54
• ISBN13: 9798285105770
• Release Date: May 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.19 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 6.0" x 9.0"