Buck O’Neil became the first African American to become a coach in the Major Leagues

Buck O’Neil became the first African American to become a coach in the Major Leagues

On May 29th, 1962,  Buck O’Neil became the first African American to become a coach in the Major Leagues, with the Chicago Cubs @ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90YWdzIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiTGVhcm4gTW9yZSBhYm91dCB0aGUgdGVhbXMsIHBsYXllcnMsIGJhbGwgcGFya3MgYW5kIGV2ZW50cyB0aGF0IGhhcHBlbmVkIG9uIHRoaXMgZGF0ZSBpbiBoaXN0b3J5IGp1c3QgY2xpY2sgdGhlIHRhZ3MhICAiLCJhZnRlciI6IiIsImxpbmtfdG9fdGVybV9wYWdlIjoib24iLCJzZXBhcmF0b3IiOiIgfCAiLCJjYXRlZ29yeV90eXBlIjoicG9zdF90YWcifX0=@

Boston Red Sox become the last team to debut a black player when Elijah “Pumpsie” Green appears in a game as a pinch-runner and shortstop
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Boston Red Sox become the last team to debut a black player when Elijah “Pumpsie” Green appears in a game as a pinch-runner and shortstop

On July 21, 1959, the Boston Red Sox become the last team to debut a black player when Elijah “Pumpsie” Green appears in a game as a pinch-runner for Vic Wertz and shortstop. Green’s debut with Boston comes 12 years after Jackie Robinson’s historic debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers. In an interview with the Red Sox released…

Ozzie Virgil, who became the first black man to play for the Detroit Tigers 11 days earlier, goes 5 for 5 in his first home game at Briggs Stadium

Ozzie Virgil, who became the first black man to play for the Detroit Tigers 11 days earlier, goes 5 for 5 in his first home game at Briggs Stadium

1958 – Ozzie Virgil, who became the first black man to play for the Detroit Tigers 11 days earlier, goes 5 for 5 in his first home game at Briggs Stadium. The Dominican’s performance helps Detroit beat the Washington Senators, 9 – 2.

John Kennedy becomes the first black to play for the Philadelphia Phillies, making them the last National League team to integrate.

John Kennedy becomes the first black to play for the Philadelphia Phillies, making them the last National League team to integrate.

John Kennedy becomes the first black to play for the Philadelphia Phillies, making them the last National League team to integrate. Kennedy pinch runs for Solly Hemus in the 5 – 1 loss to the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field. He will play only briefly in five games, two at third base, and will go hitless.

Cuban Carlos Paula integrates the Senators when he collects two hits, playing left field in the team’s 8-1 victory over Philadelphia at Griffith Stadium. Next year, the Havana-born outfielder, in his only full season in the majors, will be given consideration for the Rookie of the Year honors as he leads all freshmen by hitting .299.

Cuban Carlos Paula integrates the Senators when he collects two hits, playing left field in the team’s 8-1 victory over Philadelphia at Griffith Stadium. Next year, the Havana-born outfielder, in his only full season in the majors, will be given consideration for the Rookie of the Year honors as he leads all freshmen by hitting .299.

Cuban Carlos Paula integrates the Senators when he collects two hits, playing left field in the team’s 8-1 victory over Philadelphia at Griffith Stadium. Next year, the Havana-born outfielder, in his only full season in the majors, will be given consideration for the Rookie of the Year honors as he leads all freshmen by hitting .299.

Curt Roberts, the Pirates’ first black player, hits a triple against Robin Roberts in the 1st inning
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Curt Roberts, the Pirates’ first black player, hits a triple against Robin Roberts in the 1st inning

The Pittsburgh Pirates open at home for the first time in 61 years and defeat the Philadelphia Phillies, 4 – 2, before 32,294 spectators. Curt Roberts, the Pirates’ first black player, hits a triple against Robin Roberts in the 1st inning.

Tom Alston becomes the first black player to appear in a Cardinals uniform

Tom Alston becomes the first black player to appear in a Cardinals uniform

Seven years after the team had threatened to strike because of the integration of baseball by Jackie Robinson, North Carolina A&T graduate Tom Alston becomes the first black player to appear in a Cardinals uniform. The highly-touted first baseman, acquired from the PCL’s San Diego club in exchange for veteran infielder Dick Sisler and $100,000, pops out to first base in his first major league at-bat.

Wally Moon hits a home run in his first major league at-bat & om Alston becomes the first black player to wear a Cardinals uniform.
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Wally Moon hits a home run in his first major league at-bat & om Alston becomes the first black player to wear a Cardinals uniform.

On Opening Day off Chicago hurler Paul Milner, Wally Moon hits a home run in his first major league at-bat. The 24 year-old Cardinal center fielder, who will be selected as the National League’s Rookie of the Year, will also homer in the last at-bat of his freshman season.

Ernie Banks to start his first full season with the Cubs

Ernie Banks to start his first full season with the Cubs

March 24, 1954 Sporting News Ernie Banks about to start his first full season with the Chicago Cubs. He began playing Professionally with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro League in 1950. He would serve in the Military for two years and came back to the Monarchs after service. He would be the first…