Elston Howard, the first Black player to join the New York Yankees, passed away on this day in 1980. A standout catcher during the 1950s and 1960s, Howard was a nine-time All-Star and a key part of several Yankees championship teams. In 1963, he became the first African American player to win the American League MVP Award.
Beyond his playing career, Howard broke barriers as a coach, becoming the first Black coach in Yankees history. His legacy endures as a pioneer who helped integrate one of Major League Baseball’s most storied franchises.
© 2025 KnowThyHistory.com. Know Thy History
