Long before he went on to preserve the memories of some of the game’s best 19th century players with his book, ‘‘Sol White’s Official Base Ball Guide’’, White led a distinguished career on the field as both a player and manager. In a five-year stint with integrated minor leagues, he compiled a .356 batting average. Throughout the 1890s, he was a member of the best independent (barnstorming) black teams before going on to help form the powerhouse Philadelphia Giants in 1902.