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Blazing a Path - In a surprising twist this week, Baseball Hall of Fame voters blocked former superstars Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Sammy Sosa from joining baseball’s most famous club. While Bonds won’t be the next star of Cooperstown, there are a number of African-American players who have earned a spot, including nine players who were elected by the special Committee on Negro Baseball Leagues. Keep reading for a look at 10 hall of famers you should know. – Britt Middleton (Photos: AP Photo/File)

Photo By Photos: AP Photo/File

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Jackie Robinson - Two years before he broke baseball’s color barrier by joining the Brooklyn Dodgers, Jackie Robinson was a star in the Negro Leagues, playing for the Kansas City Monarchs in 1945. The second baseman was inducted under the Dodgers in 1962. (Photo:  Sporting News via Getty Images)

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Leroy R. Paige - Leroy “Satchel” Paige was a pitcher for the Kansas City Monarchs best known for his innovative style and colorfully named pitches, such as “the Bat Dodger” and “Hesitation Pitch.” He was inducted in 1971. (Photo: Photo File/Getty Images)

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James T. Bell - Nicknamed “Cool Papa,” James T. Bell was a center fielder for the St. Louis Stars and was inducted in 1974. Bell played 20 years in the Negro Leagues with the Stars, Pittsburgh Crawfords and the Homestead Grays. (Photo: Public Domain)

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Oscar M. Charleston - Known for his blazing speed and aggressiveness, Oscar M. Charleston ruled the base paths as first baseman for the Pittsburgh Crawfords. He was inducted in 1976. (Photo: Transcendental Graphics/Getty Images)

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Martín Dihigo Llanos - Martín Dihigo Llanos’ nickname, “El Maestro,” was no coincidence — he was notably skilled at playing all nine positions and was viewed a national hero in his native Cuba. He played for the Cuban Stars East and was inducted in 1977. (Photo: Transcendental Graphics/Getty Images)

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Joshua Gibson - Inducted in 1972, Joshua Gibson was a catcher for the Homestead Grays. Also a talented hitter, he had a recorded .426 batting average and smashed legendary home runs in some of baseball’s most famous ballparks. (Photo: Public Domain)

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Monford Irvin - Monford “Monte” Irvin was a left fielder for the Newark Eagles inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973. Irvin also enjoyed a career in the majors, playing for the New York Giants and the Chicago Cubs.  (Photo: Kidwiler Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images)

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William J. Johnson - William “Judy” Johnson played third baseman for the Hilldale Daisies and was known as a “skilled contact hitter who consistently batted .300 or better,” reads the Baseball Hall of Fame website. He was inducted in 1975. (Photo: Public Domain)

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Walter F. Leonard - Nicknamed “Buck,” Walter F. Leonard played for the Homestead Grays and was inducted in 1972. Leonard played in a record 11 East-West All-Star games. His 17 years with the Grays would be the longest tenure with a single team in Negro League history. (Photo: Public Domain)

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John H. Lloyd - John “Pop” Lloyd played shortstop for the New York Lincoln Giants and was inducted in 1977. He is also regarded as one of the best hitters of his era. (Photo: Public Domain)

Photo By Photo: Public Domain