Sam Jones with teammates
On this date in 1955, the first Black pitcher, Sam "Toothpick" Jones, tossed a no-hitter in major league baseball.
Jones, a member of the Chicago Cubs, no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates 4–0, striking out the last three batters in the 9th after walking the bases loaded. Occurring in Chicago, it was the first no-hitter in Wrigley Field since the double no-hitter of 1917. The Cubs had 15 hits against Nellie King and Vernon Law that afternoon.
Jones was nicknamed Toothpick Sam for the toothpick he constantly chewed on the mound. In the pre-game interview with Jones, TV announcer Harry Creighton joked that he'd give him a gold toothpick if he pitched a no-hitter. Creighton kept his word.
20th Century Baseball Chronicle
Year-By-Year History of major league Baseball
Copyright 1999, Publications International Ltd.
ISBN 0-7853-4074-2
