Early in the game, though, McDowell took note of something regarding Ashford. “What was interesting to me, amid all the hoopla about Emmett Ashford going to be there, it was either the first or ...

Emmett Ashford described the moment he umpired his first game in 1966 as the thrill of his life, though he almost didn’t make it into the ballpark. Major League Baseball will celebrate Jackie ...

Today, April 11, marks the first time Emmett Ashford stepped onto a major league ballfield as the first Black umpire in Major League Baseball. Known for breaking down barriers, Ashford’’ made ...

Ashford calls a strike with enthusiasm during an August 29, 1968, game between the Indians and Twins. Bettmann / Getty Images As the first black umpire in Major League Baseball, Emmett Ashford ...

This week, Major League Baseball umpires will wear patches with the initials "EA" in honor of Emmett Ashford, who, 50 years ago, became the first African-American to umpire a regular season MLB game.

Fifty years ago, Emmett Ashford became the first African-American to umpire a regular-season game, making his debut April 11, 1966, as the third base umpire in the Senators-Indians season opener ...

But none of their careers would have taken off without Emmett Ashford, who paved the way for diversity in umpiring. Ashford first stepped onto a major league ball field on April 11, 1966 ...

They will also wear patches in honor of Emmett Ashford, the first Black umpire in 1966. It's the first MLB game at Rickwood Field in its 114-year history where the Birmingham Black Barons played ...

1966 The American League hires Emmett Ashford as a new umpire, making him the first African-American umpire in American League history. 1992 Popular animated show The Simpsons put out an episode ...