People, Locations, Episodes

Mon, 04.11.1966

Major League Baseball Hires Its First Black Umpire

Emmitt Ashford

On this date in 1966, Emmett Ashford became the first Black umpire in major league baseball (MLB).

The American league hired him. Ashford was excellent at his craft. He was known for his spirited, umpiring, resonant voice and professionalism.

Reference:

Smithsonian Magazine.com

SABR.org

20th Century Baseball Chronicle
Year-By-Year History of major league Baseball
Copyright 1999, Publications International Ltd.
ISBN 0-7853-4074-2

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Poetry Corner

Young, gifted, and black Oh what a lovely precious dream. To be young, gifted, and black Open your heart to what I mean. In the whole world you know There’s a million boys... TO BE YOUNG GIFTED, AND BLACK by Weldon J. Irvine, Jr.
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