The American League officially announces the hiring of Emmett Ashford, who will become the first black umpire in major league history.

Umpire

On February 20, 1966 —  The American League officially announces the hiring of Emmett Ashford, who will become the first black umpire in major league.

‘Ash,’ known for his flashy style in the PCL, will spend five years in the bigs, working the 1967 All-Star game and the 1970 World Series, before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

 

 

 

 

Source:
Baseball Reference February 20
SABR Games Project
National Pastime February 20
Hall of Fame
Replay The Game
Retro Sheet

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