Fansided

Baseball History: Dan Bankhead Becomes First Black Pitcher

By David Hill |
LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 19: A glove and a Los Angeles Dodgers cap lay on the tarp during batting practice prior to the MLB game against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on August 19, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. The Rockies defeated the Dodgers 8-3. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 19: A glove and a Los Angeles Dodgers cap lay on the tarp during batting practice prior to the MLB game against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on August 19, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. The Rockies defeated the Dodgers 8-3. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)

Jackie Robinson made history for the Brooklyn Dodgers by smashing the color barrier. On this day in 1947, Dan Bankhead made baseball history as the first black pitcher in the majors.

The Brooklyn Dodgers made baseball history in 1947 when Jackie Robinson shattered the color barrier. From the first game of his major league career, Robinson proved he could play at the major league level, ending 63 years of segregation in baseball. It did not take long for other black players to join the ranks, proving that Robinson was not the only minority worthy of being a major leaguer.

However, it took a few months for the first black pitcher in baseball history to reach the majors. On this day in 1947, Dan Bankhead made his debut, fittingly with the Dodgers as well. He entered in the second inning of the Dodgers game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, as starter Hal Gregg was shelled in his inning plus of work.

Unfortunately, Bankhead did not fare much better in the Dodgers 16-3 loss. He allowed eight runs on ten hits and a walk in his 3.1 innings, while striking out two batters. As far as it went for a major league debut on the mound, Bankhead had to be disappointed.

More from Call to the Pen

Even with that disappointing appearance as a pitcher, Bankhead still made history in other ways. Not only was he the first black pitcher in baseball history, but he also became the first black player to homer in his first major league at bat. In the bottom of the second inning, Bankhead took Fritz Obermuller deep, giving the Dodgers their first two runs of the game.

Overall, Bankhead pitched in parts of three seasons, all with Brooklyn. He made 52 appearances, including 13 starts. Bankhead finished his time in the majors with a 9-5 record and four saves, posting a 6.52 ERA and a 1.767 WHiP. In his 153.1 innings, he issued 110 walks while striking out 111 batters.

Although his time in the majors ended in 1951, Bankhead continued to pitch professionally. He went back to the minors, and then headed over to the Mexican Leagues. Bankhead played through 1966, when he was 46 years old. In Mexico, he was a two way player, spending time as a utility infielder and outfielder, all the while showing that he was a solid hitter.

Next: Indians a thorn in Sale's side

Dan Bankhead may not have had the success that Jackie Robinson had, but he still made baseball history. On this day in 1947, Bankhead became the first black pitcher in the majors.

Home / MLB History