Frank White, Panelist
Author, historian and advocate for Saint Paul Rondo and African American baseball history.
Frank White 
is an author, historian, and community leader dedicated to preserving the history of African American baseball and youth recreation in Minnesota. His book They Played for the Love of the Game shines a light on the untold stories of Black ballplayers in the state, spanning from the 1870s to the 1960s, and highlights their economic struggles and triumphs in the face of discrimination.
White co-created the award-winning exhibit They Played for the Love of the Game: Adding to the Legacy of Minnesota Black Baseball, which earned a 2010 Minnesota History Award. A former athlete and coach, White is also the RBI Program Coordinator for the Minnesota Twins, where he helps provide youth with opportunities to play baseball and develop leadership skills. With a strong commitment to public recreational services and professional athletics, he has contributed to various programs and initiatives for youth programming, authored historical publications, and collaborated on local research projects.
His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2023 Minnesota Twins Community Legacy Award, 1999 Outstanding World Citizen Award, 2008 Partners for Violence Prevention - Spirit of Peace Award and induction into multiple Hall of Fames.
He continues to contribute historical research, including a forthcoming book on early African American contributions in Saint Paul’s Rondo Community.
Frank White articles with Ramsey County Historical Society, St. Paul, Minnesota
Professional Affiliations
- Coalition for the History of African American Contributions to the University of Minnesota Board of Directors, Executive Committee 2001 – 2015
- Minnesota State Historic Preservation Review Board, 3rd Term
- Minnesota State Capitol Preservation Commission, 1st Term
Awards & Accomplishments
2023 Play Ball Minnesota & Diamond Awards Terry Ryan Award by Minnesota Twins Community Fund.
2023, Minnesota Twins Community Fund, Community Legacy Award
2023, Minnesota State High School League, Distinguished Service Award, In Recognition Going Above and Beyond in Service.
2019, St. Paul Old Timers Softball Fast Pitch Association, Inducted into Hall of Fame.
2019, Hallie Q Brown, 2019 Halie’s Heroes Award, For dedication and support to Hallie Q Brown Community Center.
September 19, 2019, La Familia Latino Heritage Award 2019, “Therefore, with the appreciation and respect of the Minnesota Latino Community, this commendation is presented to Frank White…”
2017, Minnesota Sports Federation, Inducted into inaugural Hall of Fame as a Touch Football official
2017, July 18, St. Paul Heritage Preservation Commission & Saint Paul Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, Award of Recognition in Recognition of “Preserving and sharing the heritage of African American Baseball through exemplary research, documentation, and publishing of They Played for the Love of the Game: Untold Stories of Black Baseball in Minnesota.
2017, May 15, 33rd Annual Mancini’s Saint Paul Sports Hall of Fame, inducted with a Special Award.
2016, July 7 – 9, 19th Annual Jerry Malloy Negro League Conference, presented the Robert Peterson Recognition Award for the book, They Played for the Love of the Game: Untold Stories of Black Baseball in Minnesota. THE Robert Peterson Recognition Award, for bodies of work that increase public awareness about the Negro Leagues. Works may include books or articles. The Award is named after the author of the Negro League landmarck publication aptly titled, Only the Ball Was White.
2016, January 18, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Living the Dream Award,” presented by Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Jayne Miller, Superintendent.
2015, May 30, 2015, Community Service Award presented by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of F & A. M. of Minnesota
2014 Omar Bonderud Award, in recognition of outstanding Service in Human Rights on the Dred Scott program presented by the Bloomington Human Rights Commission
February 10, 2014, recognized in pre-game ceremony for contributions and work in the community by the Minnesota Timberwolves professional basketball team. Black History month recognition.
2013 Hall of Honor, Inducted by the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association for his long term commitment and outstanding service in the improvement, promotion and service to High School basketball in the State of Minnesota.
February 20, 2009 Saint Paul Saints Baseball Team, “Friend of the game Award,” Recognized for his work in the community with youth baseball and softball.
2008 Partners for Violence Prevention, Spirit of Peace Award, October 2, 2008 Recognized for his local, regional and national efforts, working to prevent violence in youth sports,
2005 Minnesota State High School League, inducted to the Hall of Fame as a Sports Official.
2003 Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, Selected as a Adult Volunteer of the Year for his work in training staff using the Respect Sports model. The program assisted staff in dealing with negative behavior and promoting good sportsmanship at youth athletic events.
2002 Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association Award of Excellence, this program recognizes agencies, organizations and individuals in Minnesota for their outstanding achievements in the parks, recreation and leisure services field. The “Violence is Sports.. It’s not a game any more presentation/workshop”, has been recognized by this award program.
2002 Honorary Citation Award, For your many years of support and dedication to the great game of Football, by the Nike Coach of the Year Football Clinic
2000 Sports Award, For Contributions made to the Richfield Sports Community. Presented by the Richfield Chamber of Commerce
1999 Outstanding World Citizen Award, In recognition of distinguished service in establishing Peace Sites at Schools and Parks and the promotion of a peaceful healthy world. Presented by World Citizen Inc. and the Governor of Minnesota
