The 521 All-Stars: A Championship Story of Baseball and Community

This exhibition closed March 3, 2024

The 521 All-Stars: A Championship Story of Baseball and Community is also an SCSM Traveling Exhibition! Click HERE to learn more.

This exhibition is based on the 1998 book by Frye Gaillard with photographs by Byron Baldwin, depicts baseball in its purest form: scrap metal bases, rotten wood bleachers, teams made up of brothers, fathers, sons and, most importantly, fellowship within the community.

Until Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947, major league baseball was the pastime for white players and their fans. Segregated and separated, Black players were forced to form leagues of their own. These largely Black leagues have an unmistakable impact on their local communities and the game of baseball itself.

This exhibition highlights the story of the 521 All-Stars team of Rembert, SC, a Black baseball team with roots going back to the 1920s. Named for Hwy 521 which runs past the field, the 521 All-Stars play for the love of the game and the pride and solidarity it brings. This extends both to those who play and those who gather to watch from the stands.

Through over 40 framed photographs taken during the team’s 1996-1997 season, this exhibition not only provides a portrait of the men who played but the community who supported them throughout.

Exhibition entrance is included with museum general admission.