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Moses Fleetwood Walker and the dawn of black major leaguers
Ohio seeks to honor Moses Fleetwood Walker birthday as a state observance. The 19th century trailblazer, born 1856 in Mount Pleasant and raised in Steubenville, became the first everyday black player in a major league when he joined the Toledo Blue Stockings in 1884. His career faced racial hostility, including Anson’s boycott and Richmond threats, and ended in 1889 with Syracuse. Walker stood as a civil rights pioneer before Jackie Robinson and the Negro Leagues era.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Oberlin College
Ken Grossi
Toledo
Thorn
Walker
Oberlin
Blue Stockings
Chicago
Richmond
Robinson
Syracuse
Jackie Robinson
Montreal Royals
American Association
Players League
National League