This original photograph is of the 1947 Colored House of David baseball team. Hewitt “Taft” Burton who played on this team gave this photo to the Center for Negro League Baseball Research.

The Colored House of David was a barnstorming team that traveled all over the country during the late 1930’s to early 1950’s. The team was owned by Harry Crump and managed by George Osley. The Colored House of David baseball team was not associated with the original House of David baseball team that was sponsored by the religious group in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The House of David had an exemplary reputation for playing outstanding baseball and individuals were always trying to cash in on the House of David’s popularity.

The Colored House of David was a competitive team that well represented black baseball wherever they played.