The First Black Pro Athletes In Four Sports

Moses Fleetwood Walker
Catcher for Toledo Blue Stockings of American Association (then a major league) in 1884, 63 years before Jackie Robinson's debut. Batted .263 in 42 games.

Charles Follis
Halfback for Shelby Athletic Club in the Ohio League from 1902 to '06, the first of six black pro players in pre-NFL years.

Harry Bucky Lew
Forward with Pawtucketville (Mass.) Athletic Club in New England Basketball League in 1902, 48 years before Earl Lloyd broke into NBA.

John Shippen
Assistant pro at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, N.Y., played in 1896 U.S. Open there, 52 years before Bill Spiller became the first black to play in a PGA event.