Most Influential African American Baseball Figure Besides Jackie Robinson

[autocentral]

I choose Foster but I think Buck O'Neil is up there.

Nick

[campyfan39]

Aaron and Frank Robby

[Jobu]

Rube Foster and Buck O'Neil for me.

[ValKehl]

Hammerin' Henry, without a doubt!

[DerekMichael]

Josh Gibson. He could have been a record setter, but never got the chance. He was only 35 when I died if I remember correctly.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by DerekMichael

Josh Gibson. He could have been a record setter, but never got the chance. He was only 35 when I died if I remember correctly.

When did you die?

[Koufax32fan]

My initial thought upon reading the question - Hank Aaron, for many of the reasons already mentioned.

Upon some reflection (if 20 to 30 seconds counts), my vote(s) would go to Rube Foster and Effa Manley and Rachel Robinson. The question wasn't limited to men and we shouldn't forget the contributions of these 2 great women.

Jimmy Claxton, to many accomplishments to list but I'll start with among the first African Americans to integrate the PCL, and semi-professional leagues in Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, and Reno. Among the first African American managers of a white semi-pro baseball team, the Roslyn Yippers 1926-27 (I believe Ike Ward's management of the Colville baseball team from 1913 to 1915 was the first in Washington, perhaps nationally). The first to be depicted on an American baseball card, well this list could just get exhaustive.....

[orator1]

Hank Aaron, for the reasons already mentioned.

[ATP]

Originally Posted by pariah1107

Jimmy Claxton, to many accomplishments to list but I'll start with among the first African Americans to integrate the PCL, and semi-professional leagues in Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, and Reno. Among the first African American managers of a white semi-pro baseball team, the Roslyn Yippers 1926-27 (I believe Ike Ward's management of the Colville baseball team from 1913 to 1915 was the first in Washington, perhaps nationally). The first to be depicted on an American baseball card, well this list could just get exhaustive.....

The issue with Claxton, and don't get me wrong, I live in Seattle and respect all PCL history...he just did not "impact" baseball. Most believed he may or may not have been African American.

Originally Posted by ATP

The issue with Claxton, and don't get me wrong, I live in Seattle and respect all PCL history...he just did not "impact" baseball. Most believed he may or may not have been African American.

Respect your opinion Jeff, but Claxton's father, William Edward Claxton (1862-1943), was one of the original 50 African American strikebreakers in Roslyn, Washington August 1888. Jimmy played for forty years (1906-46) in semi-professional baseball, segregated and integrated teams up-and-down the west coast. Though of mixed ancestry he was most certainly first-most African American, and opened the doors for others such as his nephew, Jack Tanner, the first African American superior court judge in Washington state history. A teammate of Claxton's on the 1946 Tacoma Casino Giants.