On this date in 1963, Elston Howard, the starting catcher for the New York Yankees, became the first Black player to win the American League's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
Neither Mickey Mantle (who was hurt most of the season) nor Roger Maris got a single vote, as Howard was crucial in helping the Yanks win their 4th consecutive AL pennant.
That season, Howard hit for an average of 287 with 28 home runs and 85 runs batted in (RBI), solidifying a sturdy pitching staff.
20th Century Baseball Chronicle:
Year-By-Year History of Major League Baseball
Copyright 1999, Publications International Ltd.
ISBN 0-7853-4074-2
