Google honors Toni Stone with Wednesday’s doodle

Over the past few years, Google has taken to using their daily doodle as a way to honor important people in history. With February being Black History Month, it is understandable that they are using this method to highlight important figures in black history. That is the case on Wednesday as they are using the doodle to honor Toni Stone.

Stone occupies an important place in baseball history as well. She was the first female to appear in the Negro Leagues, signing with the Indianapolis Clowns for the 1953 season to be their second baseman. Interestingly enough, she took over the position that had been held by Hank Aaron as he had signed with the Braves.

Google honors Toni Stone for Black History Month

The Clowns were not Stone’s first team. She had been a part of an American Legion team, subtracting ten years from her age to play. From there, she played with the barnstorming San Francisco Sea Lions, and spent four years with the New Orleans Creoles before joining the Clowns.

The Clowns were baseball’s version of the Harlem Globetrotters, playing serious baseball, but with some entertainment and tricks like the Globetrotters. Stone appeared in 50 games in 1953, attracting many fans, and was a key part of the team’s promotions.

Despite her success and ability to draw a crowd, her contract was sold to the Kansas City Monarchs for 1954. She barely played that season, and as she was resented by her male counterparts, considered that season to be a living hell. Due to the lack of playing time and her experience with the Monarchs, Stone retired after the season.

The Monarchs were not the only place where she faced discrimination. The All American Girls Professional Baseball League was active during her career, but she was not allowed in. While there was not an official racial barrier, the league claimed that only white women met their beauty standards.

Even with those barriers, Stone was not the last woman to play in the Negro Leagues. She paved the road for Mamie Johnson and Connie Morgan to join the league as well. Even if they are not considered major leaguers due to the dilution of talent with the integration of the majors, the trio holds an important place in the history of the game.

Google is honoring Toni Stone on Wednesday as part of Black History Month. Her place in baseball history will never be forgotten.