History Detectives Season 8 Episode 9 Jackie Robinson All-Stars, Modoc Basket, Special Agent Five
- August 23, 2010
During the ninth episode of the eighth season of History Detectives, the team investigates three unique and intriguing objects that have been passed down through the years.
The first mystery involves a set of baseballs signed by the Jackie Robinson All-Stars. The balls were found in a shed by the owner's son, who was unaware of their significance. The History Detectives team delves deep into the history of Robinson's All-Stars and attempts to determine the story behind the signed baseballs. They soon discover that the All-Stars were a traveling team that played against white major league teams during the segregation era. Robinson himself played for the All-Stars in 1946 before breaking the color barrier in the major leagues with the Brooklyn Dodgers the following year. The team uncovers a fascinating link between the All-Stars and an unexpected individual, leading to a surprising conclusion for this mystery.
Next up, the team investigates a beautifully woven basket with intricate designs. The basket was passed down through the generations of a family in northern California and was believed to be made by the Modoc tribe. The History Detectives team travels to the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge and meets with a tribal member and basket weaver to help determine the authenticity of the basket. They discover that the basket has unique features and that the people who trapped and traded with the Modocs were some of the earliest non-Native Americans in the region. The team also discovers an unlikely connection that sheds new light on the basket's history and reveals an unexpected story of resilience and survival.
Finally, the team investigates a mysterious badge with the letters S.A.5. engraved on its surface. The badge was found by a metal detector enthusiast in the UK and was believed to belong to a special agent or spy during World War II. The History Detectives team uncovers the story behind the secretive British Special Operations Executive (SOE) and its agents, including those who wore the S.A.5. badge. Using their investigative skills and knowledge of military history, they uncover the role of these agents and their connection to the war effort. The team tracks down living relatives of the agent believed to have owned the badge and reveals a captivating story of wartime heroism and sacrifice.
Throughout the episode, the dedicated team of History Detectives works tirelessly to uncover the stories behind each object and reveal the true history behind these unique artifacts. Through their investigative prowess and passion for history, they bring these hidden stories to life and shed new light on our past.