Crossing the Line: Black Major Leaguers, 1947-1959

On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson opened the season at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers, going 0 for 3 with a sacrifice and integrating major league baseball. Though stars such as Willie Mays and Hank Aaron quickly made their marks, it was not until 1959 that the Boston Red Sox called up a light-hitting infielder named Pumpsie Green, thus to become the last team to break baseball's color barrier. From 1947 through 1959, over 100 African American players made it to the major leagues. Each of these players is profiled in this comprehensive reference work-their playing careers and the on- and off-field difficulties they encountered in integrating the game. Some were stars, most (such as Green, Billy Bruton, and Harry Simpson) were average players, but all were pioneers in the sport. For each, career statistics and a capsule biography are provided.