TODAY IN BASEBALL TAKES US BACK TO NEW YORK CITY FEBRUARY 10, 1971. Former New York and San Francisco Giant, St. Louis Cardinal and Philadelphia Phillie Bill White was named the radio play-by-play man for the New York Yankees on this date in 1971. White became the first Black to be named the regular play-by-play man for a major league team.
The Associated Press described the development in the vernacular of the day, “the first Negro to hold such a job in the majors.” White held the play-by-play job for 18 years.
White was a pretty good player too. In a 13-year career, mostly as a first baseman, he was a 5-time all-star and a 7-time Gold Glove winner – as the best in the league at his position. Oh, and I almost forgot, Bill White was president of the National League from 1989 to 1994.
Contributing Source:
Associated Press (AP), February 11, 1971