Fleet Walker - Forgotten Pioneer

Moses Fleetwood Walker ... not Jackie Robinson ... was actually the first African American player to reach the majors leagues of organized baseball.

In 1884, Fleet Walker played in 42 games for Toledo of the American Association (recognized - along with the National League - as a major league at the time). Walker was one of several forgotten pioneers of the period (including his brother Welday and outstanding pitcher George Stovey).

By 1889, African American players had been driven from the majors because of racial prejudices of the day and would not return until Robinson's arrival with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.

Fleet Walker- Forgotten Pioneer