Curt Flood in the Media: Baseball, Race, and the Demise of the Activist Athlete

Acknowledgments

ix acknowledgments This book owes its largest debt to the people I encountered at the University of Minnesota, where as a student in the Department of Communication Studies I was fortunate to be surrounded by extraordinary colleagues and mentors. First and foremost, sincere thanks go to Kirt Wilson, whose encouragement and immeasurable patience were instrumental not only in producing this book but also in modeling for me what it means to be a scholar. When I write, he is always in the front row of my imaginary audience .I also owe appreciation to the other members of my doctoral committee : Edward Schiappa taught me to know what a clear, developed argument looks like—and how to make one; Ron Greene taught me to be on alert for slippery assumptions and continually to search for the way that things in the world fit together; Malinda Alaine Lindquist provided me with the intellectual resources necessary to say insightful things about the politics of race.Mary Vavrus’s interest in my project and concern for its completion went well beyond the call of duty. The essential ideas for this project were born in the presence of Keletso Atkins. And Karlyn Kohrs Campbell—as she surely knows—sits right next to Kirt in my imaginary front row. Bringing this book to completion required assistance and support from individuals at other institutions as well. During my time at Georgia State University,Carol Winkler and David Cheshier did their best to supply me with any scholar’s most precious commodity: time. David was always ready for a talk about the book (or the world) and to me personifies academic professionalism. Michael Bruner became a trusted friend and colleague by reading chapter drafts, providing detailed feedback, and chatting about theory when he certainly had other things to do. The faculty of the Department of Communication at Villanova University graciously welcomed me as one of their own,and my students there (especially Jessica Lu, Nick Romeu, and Lillian Campbell) were terrific sources of conversation about African American history and politics. In 2001, when I was a student at Florida State University, I met Davis Houck, without whom this book simply would not exist. His advice, support , and friendship have been crucial to every phase of the project and of x . . . acknowledgments my professional development. Davis’s influence touches nearly everything I have accomplished over the last decade, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to thank him enough. Scott Varda has been an indispensable friend and colleague as well. He read drafts, played devil’s advocate, listened to my histrionic rants, had a few of his own, and did it all with unfathomable energy. I am also grateful for the counsel of Mike Butterworth, whom I consider a colleague in arms in the study of sport. And I am indebted to James Brey, the best baseball fan I know and the person who in 1999 first shared the Curt Flood story with me.At the University Press of Mississippi, thanks are owed to Walter Biggins for his interest and patience and Ellen GoldlustGingrich for the tremendous care she took with the manuscript. Above all, I owe thanks to the family and friends who made all of the time and energy I put into this project worthwhile. My grandmother, Irene House, embodies a love of reading. My four parents, Parvez Khan, Suzanne Cook, Dennis Cook, and Mussarat Khan, are responsible for my intellect and aspirations. More than any person in my life, my mom has modeled perseverance and attention to detail. My four brothers,Adam Khan,Arbob Khan, Omar Khan, and Samir Khan, allow me to feel like I am part of a tribe. The Poker Board (consisting of Cy Kiani,Andy Nishioka, Paul Skiermont , Jonathan Reeve, and Jay Finch) provides an annual dose of togetherness and mental nourishment. They listened to me ramble on about my project, debated the finer points with incisive wit, and rooted for me year after year. Cy and Andy have been brothers to me for so long that they should think of this book as partly their own. Mariela Rodriguez generously shared her distinguished intellect, prodigious sophistication, and warm and ready laugh. Sanjay Agrawala lent a critical ear on many occasions , often late into the night. Kara Wilder was a trusted friend and stimulating conversant and saw me through crucial moments of my personal life over the course of this project. In addition to Miles Davis (my...