Before there was Jackie Robinson there was the Moses Fleetwood Walker. In 1883, Fleetwood, a catcher, signed with the Toledo Blue Stockings of the Northwestern League. A year later the Blue Stockings join the American Association, which was considered a major league. Fleetwood played in 42 games in 1884 and hit .263; while his brother, Welday Walker played in six games. Until 1947, the Walkers were the only black players ever to play in the major leagues.On eBay, recently, the above rare cabinet photo of the 1888 Syracuse Stars of the International Association came up for bidding that features the historically important Walker (top row on the left). Also featured is pitcher Robert Higgins in the bottom row on the left. Unfortunately, the owner decided to take it off of eBay and, as rumors suggest, will be available in an upcoming REA auction.
Hat Tip: VBMF:
eBay Auction Link: Syracuse Stars Cabinet Photo: