The Negro American League was a professional baseball league that operated from 1937 to 1960. It was established to provide opportunities for African American players during a time when Major League Baseball was segregated. The league featured several teams, including the Kansas City Monarchs and the Chicago American Giants, and showcased many talented players who would later gain recognition in the integrated leagues. The league played a crucial role in the development of African American baseball talent and served as a platform for players like Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson. The Negro American League contributed to the eventual integration of baseball, culminating in Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in 1947.