1921-1993  Roy Campanella rose through the ranks of baseball’s Minor and Negro Leagues to achieve fame as a Major League catcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers, and in so doing helped to shatter the color barrier that barred black players from the majors. Mexican to Minor League Campanella was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 19,
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1934-1972  Roberto Clemente rose through the amateur leagues in his native Puerto Rico and the minor leagues in the United States to become one of the most accomplished hitters and fielders in the history of baseball. His career highlights include four National League batting titles, 12 Golden Glove Awards, and National League and World Series
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1914-1981  Joe Louis Barrow fought his way to the pinnacle of prize-fighting, earning world records that stand to this day. In so doing, he became a symbol of unity in a country otherwise divided, and a model of achievement for all African Americans. Early Success Louis was born in 1914 in Chambers County, Alabama, the
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1927-2003 Althea Gibson’s athletic prowess led to her recognition as an outstanding professional tennis player. In an era of extreme racial segregation, she triumphed over humble beginnings to become the first African American to enter and earn titles at the U.S. Open and Wimbledon championships. She also was the first Black to play in the
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1879-1930 Andrew”Rube” Foster was an early baseball star. During his accomplished career, he developed innovative pitching styles, rallied his teams to a number of championships, and most notably, founded the first enduring baseball league for black players. A Runaway Earns a Reputation Foster was born in Calvert, Texas, on September 17, 1879, to Andrew Foster,
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1903-1991  Cool Papa Bell was a baseball player who was renowned for his speed and prowess on the field. He was a legendary fixture in the so-called “Negro Leagues” during the first half of the 20th Century. Chasing Baseball Bell was born on May 17, 1903, in Starkville, Mississippi. The son of Jonas Bell, a
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1919-1972 The first African American in the twentieth century to play major league baseball, Jackie Robinson was undoubtedly one of the most influential men in the history of America’s favorite pastime, and the first ballplayer of any race to appear on a United States postage stamp. He has been called the most significant ballplayer in
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