Thursday, April 11, 2013

Emmett Ashford


On this date in 1966, Emmet Ashford becomes the first black umpire in major league history in the Indians 5-2 win over the Senators at RFK Stadium in Washington DC.

"Listen," said the stadium guard according to a news account from the time, "there are no Negro umpires in the major leagues."

"Well, there will be," Ashford said, "if you let me in the park." 

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