My thanks to Val also for posting the interesting article regarding Jackie Robinson's integration of MLB in 1947 and the related intrigue involving Clark Griffith and the Homestead Grays. The article points out that Washington didn't field a black player until 1954. It is also true that Washington didn't sign an African American player until 1957 when they signed Joe Black.
Joseph "Joe" Black. Pitcher with the Washington Senators in 1957. 30 wins and 25 saves in 6 MLB season. 1952 NL rookie of the Year. He helped the Baltimore Elite Giants win two Negro League championships in 1943-1950 before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1952-1955 becoming Jackie Robinson's roommate. In 1952, he had his best season posting a 15-4 record with a 2.15 ERA in 142.1 innings pitched. That post season he became the first black player to win a World Series game, starting and winning Game one before starting but losing Games 4 (2-0) and 7 (4-2). In 1957, he became the first black player signed by the Washington Senators. He pitched 12.2 innings for Washington that year all in relief.
Beginning in 2010, the Washington Nationals have presented the Joe Black Award to a Washington area organization chosen for its work promoting baseball in African American communities. The award recognizes Black as the first African American player on the Washington Senators (1957).
The reverse of the photo has an International News Slug: First Negro to join Nats. Wash. D.C... Former Dodger pitcher Joe Black, first Negro to sign with the Washington Senators, is shown after today's game between the Nats and the Chicago White Sox. Black, formerly with the Dodgers, was sold to Cincinnati and from their (sic) to the Seattle Pacific League (Minors) where he was obtained by the Nats. He did not pitch today's game which the Nats took 5-4. 8-1-57.
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