Thursday, March 30, 2023

Pacific Coast League is Integrated -- March 30, 2023

Pomona Progress-Bulletin, 30-March-1923

75 years ago today, San Diego Padres catcher John Ritchey, who was sometimes called Johnny, became the first person of color to play in a Pacific Coast League game. He grounded out and the Padres went on to lose to the Los Angeles Angels, 7-4. He did not make it to the majors, but there is a plaque commemorating his achievement in the park of the current San Diego Padres. 

Chicago Star, 13-March-1948

John Ritchey in 1947, when he played for the Chicago American Giants in the Negro Leagues.

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