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Moses Fleetwood Walker
Moses Fleetwood "Fleet" Walker is credited with being the first African American baseball to play in Major League Baseball. There have been other players that historians will claim to be the first African American player, but Walker was the first openly black player in the MLB. Walker played his his first game on May 1st, 1884. Walker, along with his team from Toledo, Ohio made their debut that year in Louisville, KY. Walker only played 42 games that year and had to stop due to injury. -
Denton T. "Cy" Young
Cy Young is the first baseball player of his kind. Young set the standards for pitchers that have followed into the modern age. In May of 1904, Young pitched what would be the 1st perfect game in the 20th Century. He would go on to pitch two more perfect games and hold countless records for his pitching accomplishments. Young was 45 years old when he left the world of baseball. He left behind a legacy that paved the way for pitchers. The Cy Young award is given to the best pitchers each year. -
First World Series
The first World Series took place on October 1, 1903. The game was played between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Boston Americans. America was no stranger to baseball and it took captivated its citizens. The first World Series was special because six future Hall of Famers played in the games. Cy Young was one of the stars that helped clinch the series for the Boston Americans who later became the Boston Red Sox. -
Fenway Park
Fenway Park opened up in the year of 1912 and became the model in which ball parks were modeled after. Fenway has a rich history with teams and players that have played in over 8,000 games held at the park. Babe Ruth started his career in Fenway along with many other greats. Fenway became the standard and other stadiums followed. The original Yankee Stadium was constructed by the same people that developed Fenway. Fenway Park is a landmark in baseball that will continue to see many more games. -
Heros become Legends
In 1918, baseball was in full swing and America was fighting for freedom for nearly a year. The players showed their spirit and support for the war in participating in "war drills" that were meant to prepare players and boost the morale in the stands. The season was cut short by 14 games and eligible citizens were given the notice to "work or fight". A letter was sent stating that all men with "non essential" vocations were to sign up for the draft. -
Negro League is Formed
Baseball began its popularity after the civil war in 1865. Baseball was seen as a sport that could be played by all ethnic groups. Early on baseball banned people of color in playing in any sort of professional arena. Unorganized leagues were popular, but in 1920 the Negro League was created which allowed a stage for all African american players. The Negro League only lasted a short time after the end of WWII. The signing of Jackie Robinson paved the way for future players of color.
