August 4, 1996 Willard Jesse Brown, Negro League baseball player, died. Brown was born June 26, 1915 in Shreveport, Louisiana. He began his professional baseball career in 1934. In 1936, he joined the Kansas City Monarchs with whom he played until 1944 when he joined the army.
Tag Archives | baseball
July 21st in African American History – Elijah Jerry “Pumpsie” Green
July 21, 1959 Elijah Jerry “Pumpsie” Green entered the baseball game as a pinch-runner for the Boston Red Sox, making him the first Black player for the last major league baseball team to integrate. On April 17, 2009, Green was honored by the Red Sox in a first-pitch ceremony, in recognition of 50 years since […]
June 8th in African American History – Leroy Robert “Satchel” Paige
June 8, 1982 Leroy Robert “Satchel” Paige, Negro League and Major League pitcher, died. Paige was born July 7, 1906 in Mobile, Alabama. At the age of 12, he was committed to the Industrial School for Negro Children where he developed his pitching skills. In 1926, Paige was signed by the Chattanooga White Sox of […]
May 18th in African American History – Reginald Martinez “Reggie” Jackson
May 18, 1946 Reginald Martinez “Reggie” Jackson, hall of fame baseball player known as “Mr. October,” was born in Wyncote, Pennsylvania. Jackson excelled in high school baseball and football and went to Arizona State University on a football scholarship. In the 1966 Major League Baseball Draft, Jackson was selected by the Kansas City Athletics and […]
May 17th in African American History – Joseph Black
May 17, 2002 Joseph Black, the first black pitcher to win a World Series game, died. Black was born February 8, 1924 in Plainfield, New Jersey. He won a baseball scholarship to Morgan State University and graduated in 1950. Black was called up to the major leagues in 1952 and was chosen National League Rookie […]
May 9th in African American History – Anthony Keith “Tony” Gwynn
May 9, 1960 Anthony Keith “Tony” Gwynn, hall of fame baseball player, was born in Los Angeles, California. After starring roles in baseball and basketball at San Diego State University, Gwynn was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 1981 Major League Baseball Draft. Gwynn made his major league debut in 1982 and played […]
May 6th in African American History – William Howard “Willie” Mays
May 6, 1931 William Howard “Willie” Mays, hall of fame baseball player and “The Say Hey Kid,” was born in Westfield, Alabama. Mays began his professional baseball career in 1947 in the Negro Baseball Leagues. In 1950, Mays was signed by the New York Giants and he began his major league career in 1951. Mays […]