Sam Jethroe
On this date in 1950, the (then) MLB Boston Braves baseball team integrated. Famed Cleveland Buckeyes star Sam Jethroe became their first Black player. He had a stellar season and was named National League Rookie of the Year.
One of the most highly touted prospects of all time, Jethroe led the majors in stolen bases his first two years but never quite lived up to the high expectations. Over his three-year career, he batted .261 with 460 hits and 49 home runs.
20th Century Baseball Chronicle
Year-By-Year History of major league Baseball
Copyright 1999, Publications International Ltd.
ISBN 0-7853-4074-2
