Bud Fowler

John W. "Bud" Fowler (March 16, 1858 – February 26, 1913) was an African-American baseball player, manager, and club organizer. He is the earliest known African-American player in organized professional baseball; that is, the major leagues and minor leagues.

Early life
The son of a fugitive hop-picker and barber, Bud Fowler was christened John W. Jackson.

Professional baseball career
Early career
Fowler first played for an all-white professional team based out of New Castle, Pennsylvania in 1872. He was 14 years old. He is documented as playing for another professional team on July 21, 1877. He was 19. On April 24, 1878, he pitched a game for the Picked Nine, who defeated the Boston Red Caps, champions of the National League in 1877. He pitched some more for the Chelsea team, then finished that season with the Worcester club.

References

Category:1858 births
Category:1913 deaths
Category:African-American baseball players
Category:American baseball players