Famous Black Firsts in Baseball History

What are some famous firsts in black major league baseball history since Jackie Robinson broke the color line in 1947? In honor of Black History Month here is a look at some famous firsts accomplished by African-Americans in major league baseball other than the ones most people know such as Jackie Robinson and Frank Robinson.

The first African-American pitcher in major league history was Dan Bankhead of the Brooklyn Dodgers. He took the mound on August 26, 1947 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bankhead accomplished more fame by becoming the first African-American to hit a home run in his first at bat.

Brooklyn pitcher Don Newcombe and New York Giants outfielder Hank Thompson made baseball history on July 8, 1949 as they were the first African-American pitcher and batter to face each other in a major league game. Another African-American, Roy Campanella, was Newcombe’s catcher.

On May 12, 1955 Sam Jones of the Chicago Cubs became the first African-American pitcher to throw a no hitter. He accomplished this in a 4-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

At the end of the 1955 season, Roy Campanella became the first African-American in baseball history to win three league most valuable player (MVP) awards. Campy had been voted National League MVP in 1951 and 1953.

When Sammy Drake took the field for the Chicago Cubs on April 17, 1960 his family made history. Sammy’s brother Solly appeared in a game for the Cubs exactly four years earlier to the date in 1956 making them the first African-American brothers to play major league baseball.

By the 1960’s African-Americans began to make their mark in more roles than just playing. Buck O’Niel became the first African-American coach when he was hired by the Cubs in 1962. San Francisco Giants center fielder Willie Mays made a lot of baseball history including being the first African-American to be named captain of his team.

In 1965, Jackie Robinson made history again when ABC television hired him to be the first African-American network broadcaster.

Emmitt Ashford was the first African-American umpire in organized ball beginning in 1951 with the Southwest International League. He became the first major league umpire in April of 1966 (dates of his debut differ).

Back on the field, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Frank Robinson ended the 1966 season by becoming the first African-American to win the Triple Crown of hitting. Robinson led the American League in batting average, home runs and runs batted in while becoming the only man in baseball history to win MVP awards in both leagues.

On September 1, 1971 the Pirates became the first team to field an all black starting lineup. Included among them were Latin Americans Manny Sanguillen, Roberto Clemente and Jackie Hernandez. The Pirates would go on to win the World Series that season.

A major milestone was accomplished when the Atlanta Braves made Bill Lucas the first African-American general manager in 1976. Sadly he passed away in 1979.

These are just a few famous firsts accomplished by African-Americans. All are important and each holds a special place in baseball history.

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