By: Illustrator Laura Freeman
In a compelling collaboration of words and art, Swinging Into History vividly brings to life the story of Toni Stone, the first woman to play in the Negro Leagues. Illustrator Laura Freeman, known for her work on books like Hidden Figures, shares the challenges, inspirations, and research behind her work, and how she sought to convey Toni’s resilience and spirit on every page. Freeman’s illustrations make Toni’s journey feel personal and universal, showing how art can resonate with history and emotion.
Freeman describes one of her biggest challenges as capturing the weight of Toni’s emotional journey and her historic achievements. Two key moments stand out for Freeman: Toni being honored by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the renaming of her childhood baseball field. These moments, Freeman recalls, carried a sense of elation and recognition that Toni longed for but never felt was a guarantee. “When I got to the end of her story, I felt as though I had traveled her journey with her,” Freeman shares, “and I could feel her elation at finally being seen.”
For Freeman, illustrating these scenes meant showing Toni’s triumphs in both a grand and intimate way. “I hope I captured that in that last spread of Toni in the book,” Freeman says, reflecting on her goal to convey not just an honor but a sense of hard-won validation. This balance between public acclaim and personal fulfillment was a delicate one to achieve visually, yet Freeman’s depictions echo Toni’s complex journey as both an athlete and a pioneer.
Freeman’s experience with projects like Hidden Figures, where she illustrated the story of African American women mathematicians, heavily influenced her approach to Swinging Into History. Interestingly, she admits, “I illustrated Hidden Figures without being good at math myself!” But Freeman’s skill as an illustrator lies in her imaginative empathy, which has allowed her to depict characters far removed from her own experiences. “I’ve illustrated books about musicians and singers even though I can’t play an instrument or carry a tune,” she says with a laugh. “But I can imagine it!”
This sense of imagination became vital in portraying Toni Stone, whose life as a trailblazing athlete required a physical and mental toughness that Freeman felt honored to depict. Freeman says that while she may not be a natural athlete, she nonetheless felt a kinship with Toni’s resilience and drive. “It didn’t keep me from appreciating the immensity of Toni Stone’s accomplishments and knowing that I could portray her spirit.”
Freeman hopes that her illustrations will convey Toni Stone’s indomitable spirit to young readers. “Toni was not only an incredible athlete; she was determined. Some would say stubborn,” Freeman notes. “She needed to be if she was going to be taken seriously.” For Freeman, Toni’s personality wasn’t just a historical note but a powerful example for today’s readers, especially girls who might face their own barriers.
Freeman’s respect for Toni’s tenacity is palpable in each illustration, where she emphasizes Toni’s grit alongside her athletic skill. Freeman explains that the obstacles Toni faced as a Black woman in a male-dominated world were daunting, but Toni’s insistence on being her authentic self was key to her legacy. “Girls interested in sports now owe a debt to women like Toni for paving the way,” Freeman reflects. This sense of gratitude toward Toni’s legacy is something Freeman hopes to pass on through her art.
Freeman’s commitment to historical accuracy extended beyond Toni’s individual story; she immersed herself in the world of 1940s and 1950s baseball, studying old photos, documentaries, and interviews about the Negro Leagues. “Although I have been to baseball games and felt that I understood the game, I read up on it just to make sure there was nothing I was misunderstanding,” she says. From learning the difference between a line drive and a grounder to ensuring she accurately portrayed the players’ stances on the field, Freeman took care with each detail.
Her goal was not only to satisfy baseball aficionados but to honor Toni’s legacy with authenticity. Freeman knew that young readers who loved baseball might catch any inaccuracies, and that her illustrations needed to reflect the respect Toni had for the game. “I needed to get the body positions and the players’ positions on the field just right,” Freeman emphasizes.
For Freeman, illustrating Toni’s life was not just about the historical significance but also capturing Toni’s emotional depth. Freeman reveals that she often finds herself “making the expressions of the characters” she paints. This deep connection with Toni’s story allowed Freeman to move beyond physical likeness and attempt to capture the emotional weight of each moment.
“I research the era, I looked at old photos of baseball fields, of the Negro Leagues, and watched interviews and documentaries about Toni herself,” Freeman explains. By immersing herself in Toni’s world, Freeman could visualize not only what Toni looked like but what she might have felt on the field or in moments of victory and solitude. “I try to capture how she feels about what’s happening on each page, not just what she looks like.”
In illustrating Swinging Into History, Laura Freeman has created more than just pictures on a page; she has crafted a visual narrative that celebrates Toni Stone’s spirit, resilience, and legacy. Through her thoughtful research and artistic dedication, Freeman has opened a window for young readers to witness a story that blends history, emotion, and inspiration. In each stroke, Freeman honors Toni Stone’s journey and her impact on both sports and social history, creating a legacy that lives on in the hearts and minds of readers.
For additional information: Swinging Into History
Published by: Holy Minoza
