Jackie Robinson Was NOT The First Black to Play in MLB April 15, 2018

I've noticed on many a post on various social media outlets that we celebrate Jackie Robinson Day because Jackie Robinson was the first black player in MLB.  Now, before I get jumped on for my statement, its true. Jackie Robinson was NOT the first black player in MLB. And nothing of what I will say is disparaging what Jackie went through and what Jackie did in 1947 and the years after. I'll go into what Jackie Robinson WAS the first to do in the next paragraph or two.

Now, the honor and distinction of who was the first black player in MLB depends on whom you talk to. Many Baseball experts and historians give that honor to Moses "Fleetwood" Walker. Walker was a catcher who played for the Toledo Blue Stockings of the American Association during the 1884 season. Walker played for a total of 42 games that season. Another name that comes up is William Edward White who was known as Bill White. White played for the Providence Grays of the National League for just one single game, getting a hit and scoring a run. Other names that come up are Bud Fowler, Frank Grant and Sol White. But generally, Moses Walker is deemed to be the first black player in MLB before the enactment of the so called "Gentlemen's Agreement." Before I go into Jackie Robinson, I wanted to shed some light on what the "Gentleman's Agreement" entailed.

To put it simply, the "Gentlemen's Agreement" barred black and colored players from playing in organized baseball that was affiliated with the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues. This included teams on the Major, Minor and even the independent level. This opened the door for the rise of the Negro Leagues and the integration of many an international league throughout Latin America. This is where Jackie Robinson comes in.

Jackie was the first black player to break the color line created by the "Gentleman's Agreement." By his taking the field on April 15, 1947 and being subjected to the vitriol and hatred by many a fan and fellow ballplayer, Jackie broke down the ignorant color line that kept black players from playing in the Majors since the 1880s. To say he was the first ever is inaccurate. But the first since the segregation of the Majors? That is correct. There is a difference. Just wanted to clarify what the difference was.

Thank you Jackie Robinson for your courage, poise, bravery and strength during those trying days when you helped to bring about change within an unjust and ignorant system. Thank you to Moses "Fleetwood" Walker, William Edward White, Frank Grant, Bud Fowler, Sol White and any other black pioneers lost to time.

For Further Reading:

• Moses Fleetwood Walker: The Forgotten Man Who Actually Integrated Baseball by Barry Regan from Bleacher Report dated April 16, 2012
• Acclaim Comes Late for Baseball Pioneer by Hillel Kuttler from the New York Times dated April 14, 2013
• The First Black Player in Major-League History by Stefan Fatsis from Slate.com
• Baseball's Secret Pioneer by Peter Morris and Stefan Fatsis from Slate.com
• First Black Player in Major Leagues? Hint: It Wasn't Jackie Robinson by Zach Helfand from the Los Angeles Times dated September 20, 2014
• Black History: First Black Major League Baseball Player by Jason Lewis from the Los Angeles Sentinel dated July 6, 2011

Roberto Osuna Youngest to 100 Saves April 9, 2018

Toronto Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna, age 23 became the fastest to 100 saves with his save of the Blue Jays 2-1 victory against the Baltimore Orioles. Before Osuna broke the record, the youngest pitcher to 100 saves was Francisco Rodriguez at the age of 24 when he pitched for the Anaheim Angels.

Osuna is almost a year younger than Rodriguez was when he reached 100 saves. How far can Osuna go on the saves list? Only time will tell

Until Then Keep Playing Ball,
Baseball Sisco
#BaseballSisco
#BaseballSiscoKidStyle

For Further Reading:

• Osuna youngest to 100 saves, passes K-Rod by Gregor Chisholm from MLB.com dated April 8, 2018

So Far Shohei Ohtani Is The Real Deal April 7, 2018

The Angels' two-way star Shohei Ohtani is making the Angels look good so far. Now granted its only one week into the 2018 season, but Ohtani's performance is making the Angels decision to sign him look like a wise one. 

Aside from his victory in his pitching debut against the Oakland A's, in four starts as a DH, Ohtani has batted 7 for 18 with a .389 batting average with three homers and seven RBIs. Ohtani has homered in three consecutive days to boot. 

Its amazing to see how ingrained certain roles in Baseball are. The game hasn't seen a two-way player since the great Babe Ruth and with Ohtani's performance, the comparisons with Ruth continue. For example, According to the article Ohtani homers in third straight, helps Halos rally by Maria Guardado from MLB.com, Ohtani is the first American League player to homer in three straight games in the same season since he started a game since Babe Ruth did so in 1930.

And according to the article Ohtani joins exclusive company with 3rd HR in first four games by Yardbarker, Ohtani is also the sixth rookie to his three homeruns in his first four games joining Mike Jacobs, Trent Oeltjen, Yoenis Cespedes, Trey Mancini and Trevor Story. 

Ohtani has quickly made himself a fan favorite in Orange County. His second start comes against the Oakland A's, who defeated on he pitched six innings allowing seven hits (one homer) with six strikeouts and one walk. Let's see if he can continue making the Angels brass look good.

Until Then Keep Playing Ball,

Baseball Sisco

#BaseballSisco

#BaseballSiscoKidStyle

For Further Reading:

• Shohei Ohtani's career statistics from Baseball Reference.com
• Shohei Ohtani's Japanese League statistics from Baseball Reference.com 

Adrián Beltré Makes History...Again April 6, 2018

Texas Rangers 3B Adrián Beltré made history once again during yesterday's game against the Oakland A's. With his 2 for 3 performance, Beltré passed Hall of Famer Rod Carew with his career hit number 3,054. In doing so, Beltré became the player born in Latin America with most career hits. Beltré was born in the Dominican Republic while Carew was born in Panama. But Beltré's history making didn't end there. 

With his second hit of the game, Beltré tied another Hall of Famer on the All-Time Hits list. This time, he stood side by side with Rickey Henderson. Both players are on the list with 3,055 hits. Hall of Famer Craig Biggio sits just ahead with 3,060 hits. Now here is where the fun really begins.

In front of Biggio is Seattle Mariners outfielder (and future Hall of Famer) Ichiro Suziki. Ichiro currently has 3, 082 hits and is the player who has most career hits that was born in a foreign country. Plus add to the 3,000 hit mix is Los Angeles Angeles (I almost typed California and Anaheim before finally typing Los Angeles, LOL) 1B/DH Albert Pujols. Pujols, who like Ichiro and Beltré is a future Hall of Famer, currently sits at 2,975 career hits. 

It is also conceivable that a 200 hit season puts Beltré at 14th on the list just past Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, who sits at 3,184 hits. The 2018 season is shaping up nicely as a race within the 3,000 hit club.

After Pujols, where do we sit in terms of current players on the cusp of the 3,000 club. You have Detroit Tigers 1B Miguel Cabrera with 2,643 hits and Seattle Mariners 2B Robinson Cano with 2,386 hits. After that, it'll be a while before we have a discussion about who might be next to reach the 3,000 hit club.

Until Then Keep Playing Ball,
Baseball Sisco
#BaseballSisco
#BaseballSiscoKidStyle

For Further Reading:

• Career Hits List from Baseball Reference.com
• Active Hits List from Baseball Reference.com

Who Was Walt Bond April 1, 2018

With the news that 6'7" Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees was playing Centerfield against the Blue Jays this past Saturday, it was reported that Judge would break the record for tallest Centerfielder. The previously tallest player to play CF was Walt Bond (October 19, 1937 - September 14, 1967.). It got me thinking, I can't say that I had ever heard about Walt Bond. What I found out about him was very tragic.

Bond played in the majors from 1960 to 1967. He would play first base and the outfield for the Cleveland Indians from 1960-1962, Houston Colt 45's/Astros from 1964-1965 and the Minnesota Twins in 1967. Bond's best season came in 1964 when he his .254 with 20 Homers and 85 RBIs in 147 games with the Colt 45's. So what happened to Walt Bond?

While serving in the Army, Bond was diagnosed with Leukemia. He would fight Leukemia throughout his baseball career, eventually dying from the illness on September 14, 1967 at the young age of 29.

Its a shame to hear about a ballplayer being taken so young due to illness. At least with Aaron Judge playing in CF this past Saturday, a small measure of light was shed on the short career of Walt Bond. May you continue to Rest in Peace Walt Bond.

For Further Reading:

- Walt Bond's career statistics from Baseball Reference.com
- Walt Bond Dies at the age of 29 from the Morning Record dated September 15, 1967