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Little Known Black History Fact: Dan Bankhead
Jackie Robinson’s barrier-breaking moment in Major League Baseball on April 15, 1947 still stands as one of the most stirring moment in sports. That same year, Dan Bankhead made history this week by becoming the first Black pitcher in the majors, but his promising career swiftly turned sour.
Bankhead was born on May 3, 1920 in Empire, Ala. He began his playing career in the Negro Leagues for the Birmingham Black Barons and the Memphis Red Sox in 1940, and was one of the best hitting pitchers in the league. The marine and World War II veteran was recruited in 1947 by Brooklyn Dodgers executive Branch Rickey, who gave Robinson his first shot... Read More.
Source: blackamericaweb.com






