MLB History: Fleet Walker Becomes First Black Player

Jackie Robinson is often, and incorrectly, considered to be the first black player in MLB history. Instead, that honor belongs to Fleet Walker, who debuted with the Toledo Blue Stockings on this day in 1884.

There is no denying the impact that Jackie Robinson made upon MLB history. He shattered the color barrier in 1947, beginning a Hall of Fame career that led to the swift integration of baseball. However, the reason for the unspoken color barrier was due to the presence of the first black baseball players, Fleet Walker and his brother Welday Walker.

It was on this day in 1884 that Fleet, a catcher, made his debut with the Toledo Blue Stockings against the Louisville Eclipse. He would end up as the primary catcher on the squad, having been spotted four years prior by Toledo manager Charlie Morton. In his 42 games, Walker posted a solid .263/.325/.316 batting line, good for an OPS+ of 107 in the American Association.

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While Walker had developed a reputation as being one of the better barehanded catchers in baseball, the 1880’s were still a time of rampant racism, and baseball was no different. Spearheaded by players such as Cap Anson, the Blue Stockings were pressured into releasing Walker after the season. He almost made a comeback in 1887, when John Ward, then with the New York Giants, wanted to sign him after being impressed by Walker in an exhibition game. However, Anson and the powers that be put a stop to those thoughts, leaving Walker on the outside looking in.

Walker continued playing in the minors into the 1890’s, he never had another chance at the major league level. That did not stop the former catcher from being in the spotlight after his playing days however. Walker, who went to Oberlin College and the University of Michigan, wrote a book arguing that blacks should head back to Africa in order to avoid the racist beliefs in America. He shot and killed a robber, being acquitted of murder charges. Walker also had a severe drinking problem, with his alcohol fuelled actions only serving to increase his notoriety.

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It took 63 more years until baseball stopped being segregated, but Fleet Walker helped pave the way for players like Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby to make their impact. One has to wonder what type of career Walker would have had if he was allowed to continue to play in the Major Leagues.