Ryan Howard narrates the oral history baseball tried to erase.
They Said We Couldn't Play is an intimate portrait of a forgotten time in Philadelphia history. It's a story about a group of Philadelphia-area athletes reminiscing about their experiences playing in America's segregated Negro Leagues. A story of prejudice, brotherhood and triumph, told by men who clearly played for the love of the game. The 75-minute documentary features interviews with Stars players and members of the Philadelphia sports community. Narrated by Phillies slugger Ryan Howard, it includes footage of these engaging characters as they interacted with ballplayers of the modern era.
Acting
These players ARE the performance — unscripted, unpolished, unforgettable.
Direction
Stephenson lets elders speak without forcing narrative on them.
Production
Modern-player footage bridges then and now with zero heavy-handedness.
Director
Dan Stephenson
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The Philadelphia Stars were one of seven Negro League teams based in Philly, yet most baseball fans can't name one. This doc is essentially an act of cultural recovery.
Ryan Howard recorded his narration while rehabbing an Achilles injury in 2012 — he reportedly requested this specifically, using his platform while sidelined.
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