Today, in the last week of Black History Month, we recall some of the first Black players to suit up for the Phillies and rank the all-time best Black players in club history.
Excellent commentary here. I would add Chico Fernandez to the discussion. Fernandez was actually the first person of color to play for the Phillies, just a few days before John Kennedy. Fernandez was from Cuba, but he was subjected to the same segregation as African American players. He stayed in separate accommodations and ate in separate restaurants for example. Chico always felt he did not get the credit he deserved for being a barrier breaker.
Excellent commentary here. I would add Chico Fernandez to the discussion. Fernandez was actually the first person of color to play for the Phillies, just a few days before John Kennedy. Fernandez was from Cuba, but he was subjected to the same segregation as African American players. He stayed in separate accommodations and ate in separate restaurants for example. Chico always felt he did not get the credit he deserved for being a barrier breaker.