On April 14, 1955 — Elston Howard, who will be named the American League’s MVP in 1963, becomes the first black to play for the New York Yankees.
The 26-year-old catcher/outfielder makes his debut against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park as he hits a single with one RBI in the Yankees’ 8 – 4 loss. The former Monarchs’ catcher will appear in nine All-Star Games and 54 World Series games, compiling a .274 batting average during his 14-year playing career.