West Philly’s Iconic Negro Leagues Mural Removed, Re-creation Slated for MLB All-Star Game
A beloved mural honoring the Philadelphia Stars Negro Leagues baseball team has been removed from its long-standing home in West Philadelphia, sparking a mix of resignation and renewed hope among local residents. The artwork, a fixture at 44th and Parkside Avenue, was taken down to make way for a new construction project on the property directly in front of it.
While the loss of the original mural has unsettled some community members, plans are already in motion to recreate the tribute just across the street. The new installation is scheduled to be unveiled at the Philadelphia Stars Negro League Memorial Park in time for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in July 2026.
Deep Search: The Removal and Relocation Plan
The removal was precipitated by a developer purchasing the lot in front of the mural, with plans to erect a building that would have completely obscured the artwork from public view. Recognizing the mural’s significance, the Business Association of West Parkside and Mural Arts Philadelphia have coordinated a relocation effort.
New Location: The re-created mural will be installed at 1538 Belmont Avenue, integrating it directly into the existing Philadelphia Stars Negro League Memorial Park.
Artist Continuity: David McShane, the artist behind the original 2006 mural, has been commissioned to lead the recreation. McShane is well-known for his sports-themed murals across Philadelphia, including tributes to the Phillies and Jackie Robinson.
Timeline: Project organizers are targeting a completion date of July 2026. This deadline aligns with Philadelphia hosting the MLB All-Star Game, a major event expected to draw international attention to the city’s baseball history.
Objections and Community Concerns
Despite the promised replacement, the removal of the original wall has drawn criticism and concern from preservationists and neighbors who view the erasure of public art as a troubling trend.
Loss of a Landmark: For nearly two decades, the mural served as an “unofficial symbol” of the Parkside community. Residents have expressed frustration that development rights frequently supersede cultural preservation, forcing communities to fight to save or move their own history.
Impact on the Park: There are concerns regarding the scale of the new development. Some community stakeholders have noted that the new building will loom over the memorial park, potentially “minimizing the scale” of the public space and altering the character of the historic intersection.
“Betrayal of Trust”: Broader criticisms regarding mural removal in Philadelphia often cite a “betrayal of trust.” When art meant to permanently honor marginalized histories is treated as temporary by developers, it reinforces a sense of instability within the neighborhood’s cultural landscape.
Background Info: The Philadelphia Stars
The mural honored the Philadelphia Stars, a powerhouse team in the Negro National League.
Team History: Founded in 1933 by Ed Bolden, the Stars played their home games at Penmar Park, located near the mural site at 44th and Parkside.
Championship Legacy: The team won the Negro National League pennant in 1934, defeating the Chicago American Giants in a controversial and hard-fought series.
Cultural Hub: The original mural depicted not just the players, but the spectators dressed in their “Sunday best”—suits and hats—highlighting that Negro League games were major social events for the Black community during the era of segregation.
Notable Players: The team roster included legends such as Biz Mackey and Satchel Paige, though the mural also paid tribute to the everyday players who kept the league alive. The team dissolved in 1952, shortly after the integration of Major League Baseball.
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