The first black Yankee is not in the HOF???
dizzyfoxx
Posts: 9,823 ✭✭✭
...and most kids or young adults today have no idea who he is.
He had to confront just as much turmoil as Jackie Robinson but somehow Jackie is the only one that MLB has turned into a God-like hero. Here's to the first black Yankee who is sadly under-rated in our baseball history.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=YkTQEKGoqqo
Thanks for looking. 
P.S. To keep this relevant in the trading card forum so PSA doesn't feel obligated to delete it, I'll be posting a card tomorrow to share.
...There's always time for coin collecting. 
2
Comments
Elston Howard.
Curious about the rare, mysterious and beautiful 1951 Wheaties Premium Photos?
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/987963/1951-wheaties-premium-photos-set-registry#latest
My first thought was Elston Howard. I am fortunate enough to have the '55 Bowman as well as the '56 and '57 Topps
There several Black players that are worthy of our attention that were terrific players. I have mentioned some in other threads... Bill Bruton, Hank Thompson and Luke Easter for starters. Thompson was the first Black player for the St. Louis Browns followed by the NY Giants. I see the '53 Topps Bruton rookie card as a must have. The '53 Topps Thompson and Easter cards are also very affordable.
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
Yes all of these players were pioneers and their stories got over shadowed.
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Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
THANK YOU!!
One thing people may not realize about Ellie Howard is that in addition to his historic achievement as the first Black Yankee, he was also one hell of a ball player. How good?
He was the first ever Black MVP in the American League. And this is after being named the 1958 World Series Babe Ruth award winner. He played numerous positions (after all he had to, he was backup to a guy you might have heard of: Yogi Berra) and excelled at them all, winning two Gold Gloves in an era when Gold Gloves were handed out only one per position, not like now where there's GG winners in both the AL & NL. He won 6 World Series Championships (SIX!!!) and played in several others. He was so beloved by his teammates and the Yankees organization that he was brought back as a coach and helped the team win a couple more World Series Championships in the late 70s. He certainly would have gone on to become a manager had he not passed away at a young age in 1980.
I have several Ellie Howard cards. While baseball at large may overlook him, Yankees fans all know & respect his legacy. His number 32 has been retired by the team & he has a plaque in Monument Park at the stadium.
Great post!
Sam Jethroe has a great story as well. One of my favorites from the NLs, who got a short taste of MLB.