In spite of baseball’s obsession with statistics, records and “firsts”, I’ve yet to see any documentation about the first individual to transition from HBCU baseball to the Major Leagues. If you know the name Jackie Robinson, then you’ll probably know…
Category: HBCU Baseball History
Former Central State and MLB Star Eddie Milner Passes Away
Update – Former Wiley College Pitcher Al Jackson’s Ceremonial “First Pitch” Video
Recently we posted a blurb about former Wiley College pitcher, Alvin Jackson, who threw out the first pitch at a recent New York Mets game on “Jackie Robinson Day”. To view the original post and a “mockup of an Al Jackson…
Wiley’s Alvin Jackson to Throw Out First Pitch at NY Mets “Jackie Robinson Day” Game
Congratulations to Alvin Jackson, former Major League great from Wiley College who will be throwing out the first pitch at the New York Mets “Jackie Robinson Day” game on April 15th, 2015. This marks a celebration around the league of…
Al Holland Named to College Baseball Hall of Fame
(re-posted from www.collegebaseballhall.org) LUBBOCK, Texas — One of only three men to twice win a recognized college player of the year award plus two men who led their teams to the World Series at both the collegiate and Major League…
Earl Lloyd – NBA Integrator and Former HBCU Baseball Player Passes
As we end black history month 2015, we are saddened to learn of the passing of the National Basketball Association’s integrator, Earl Lloyd. Most probably didn’t know that Mr. Lloyd also played baseball at West Virginia State University. Below is…
School Baseball Program Integrators of the ’70s
During this Black History Month observance, we are reminded of the scholar/athletes who were integrators of and pioneers in their college’s baseball programs. My fellow committee member, Dr. John Winters and I have been researching these individuals by either uncovering the…
Father of Black History Month and His Tie to Black College Baseball Pioneers
In my continual research of early integrators and other black pioneers of college baseball, I often discover a connection between baseball and African-Americans who have gone on to do wonderful work both in their communities and throughout the country. During Black History month, I’m often…
Andre Dawson of FAMU – The Hawk Soared Even as a Rattler
July 25, 2010 will always be an important day on the baseball calendar of Florida A&M baseball. On this date, former Rattler Andre Dawson became the first FAMU alum to be inducted into Major League Baseball’s Hall of Fame. Dawson’s…
When HBCUs Dominated NAIA Baseball – Part 3
While looking through the Official NCAA Baseball Guide of 1973 for some unrelated material, I stumbled across a stat that I had not included in any of my previous updates on the good old days when HBCU’s dominated NAIA baseball. Inadvertently…