On This Day in History, Sports

This Day in History: Elston Howard Breaks Yankees’ Color Barrier in 1955

Clay Cane
April 14, 2025

Reading Time: 2 minutes

On April 14, 1955, Elston Howard made history by becoming the first African American player to join the New York Yankees, breaking the team’s color barrier nearly a decade after Jackie Robinson integrated Major League Baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Howard began his professional career with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League at age 19. Two years later, he signed with the Yankees and played in their minor league system before being called up.

New York Yankees outfielder Elston Howard shows off his batting stance at spring training camp in Tampa, Fla., March 15, 1955. (AP Photo)

In addition to his groundbreaking debut, Howard went on to become the first African American player to win the American League Most Valuable Player award, earning the honor in 1963. His legacy paved the way for future generations in pinstripes and beyond.

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Clay Cane is an award-winning journalist, writer, radio host, and political commentator. A graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in African-American Studies, his work on race, culture, and politics have appeared in national publications, including the Washington Post, CNN, and The Grio. Clay is a regular political commentator on MSNBC. Twitter: @claycane