Barrier Breakers: 1954 Curt Roberts - Pittsburgh Pirates

 

Curt Roberts played professional ball from 1947-1963.  He began as a shortstop for the Kansas City Monarchs. He was signed by the Braves in 1951. In 1952 he was signed by the Pirates General manager Branch Rickey. He was promoted to the Big Leagues at the beginning of the 1954 season and became their everyday second baseman and the first African American on the Bucs.  After struggling in 1955 he was sent down to the minors. He reclaimed his job in 1956 only to lose it to future Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski.

In June of '56 he was traded to the A's as part of a three-player deal. Prior to the 1957 season he was dealt again to the Yankees as part of an eleven player swap. In all he played minor league ball for six different franchises; Braves, Pirates, A's, Yankees, Dodgers and White Sox, but he never made it back to the Majors after the 1956 season.

1954 Bowman Ernie Banks

Ernie Banks debuted on the Cubs in September of 1953. He was the first African American ball player on the Cubs. Appearing in a game 3 days earlier than second baseman Gene Baker. In 1954 he was second in Rookie of the Year voting behind Cardinal outfielder Wally Moon.