Sherman “Jocko” Maxwell: The Voice of the Negro Leagues

Sherman “Jocko” Maxwell: The Voice of the Negro Leagues

Sherman “Jocko” Maxwell: The Voice of the Negro Leagues

Sherman Leander Maxwell (1907–2008), affectionately known as “Jocko”, was a trailblazer in sports broadcasting and journalism, best remembered for his dedication to chronicling the history of the Negro Baseball League. Born on December 18, 1907, in Newark, New Jersey, Maxwell’s lifelong passion for baseball and storytelling ensured that the stories of Black players and teams were preserved for generations.

Breaking Barriers in Broadcasting
Maxwell’s broadcasting career began in 1929, when he convinced a Newark radio station, WNJR, to give him a five-minute slot to read sports scores on Saturdays. This made him one of the first African American sports broadcasters in the United States. Despite the racial barriers of the time, Maxwell’s voice became a powerful presence, and his work eventually expanded to various stations while he balanced a full-time job as a postal clerk.

Champion of Negro League Baseball
Maxwell wasn’t just a broadcaster; he was an unofficial historian of the Negro Leagues. Covering games that mainstream media ignored, Maxwell wrote for publications like the Newark Ledger and the Sporting News. His insights were invaluable, capturing moments and records that might otherwise have been lost. He even authored a book titled Thrills and Spills in Sports (1940), further documenting the world of sports.

Maxwell also ran his own semi-pro baseball team, the Newark Starlings, and announced games for the Newark Eagles at Ruppert Stadium. Hall of Fame player Monte Irvin, who played for the Eagles, called Maxwell’s contributions “unique,” while sports columnist Sam Lacey recognized him as a true pioneer in sports media.

Legacy and Recognition
In 1967, Maxwell retired from radio but left behind an unparalleled legacy. As Jerry Izenberg, columnist emeritus for The Star-Ledger, put it:

“There would be very few records of the Negro Leagues that are accurate, and there would be almost none without him. He knew that one day this stuff would be important.”

Maxwell’s dedication earned him a place in the Newark Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994, cementing his role as a key figure in preserving the history of Black athletes.

Life and Passing
Maxwell passed away on July 16, 2008, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, at the remarkable age of 100. His death was due to complications from pneumonia. Preceded in death by his wife, Mamie, and daughter, Lisa, he was survived by his son, Bruce, his sister, Berenice, and nephew, John Cross.

Sherman “Jocko” Maxwell’s pioneering work ensured that the triumphs, struggles, and stories of the Negro Leagues were not forgotten. He was a visionary who understood the importance of documenting Black excellence in sports, even when others ignored it.⚾

( He Was A Trailblazer and A Part Of History)