Frank Robinson Leads: First Black Manager Takes the Helm
Frank Robinson walked into the Cleveland Indians dugout on April 8, 1975, as the first Black manager in Major League Baseball history, 28 years after Jackie Robinson broke the playing color barrier. Robinson, already a Hall of Fame-caliber player with 586 career home runs, an MVP award in each league, and a Triple Crown, was also listed as a designated hitter. In his first at-bat as player-manager, he hit a solo home run off Doc Medich of the Yankees. The crowd at Cleveland's Municipal Stadium erupted. Robinson managed the Indians for two and a half seasons, later managing the San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles, and Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals, compiling 1,065 career wins as a manager.
April 8, 1975
51 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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