Baseball

Sunday, October 13, 2024

The Chatham Colored All-Stars – Chatham Daily News 5/10/1984

Many gifted athletes played on the ‘colored’ baseball teams in Southwestern Ontario. These all-black teams would compete against each other and in exhibition games against teams in the ‘Negro Leagues’ in Michigan and Ohio. Some of these individuals were so talented one might say they are amongst the greatest players to never get the opportunity to play in Major League Baseball.

The Dayus Roofers Baseball Team, Windsor – photo courtesy of Jim Allen

These teams were very exciting to watch and drew large crowds of fans when they played. Their celebrity and the sacrifices they made helped pave the way for the first pioneers to break the colour barrier and enter the world of professional baseball. For example, Baseball Hall of Famer Ferguson Jenkins followed in his father’s footsteps. The senior Jenkins played on the Chatham Black Panthers and was a very successful outfielder.

This early photograph features a game official in black standing with William Bush Sr. (left), of Windsor, and ‘Flat’ Chase (right), of Chatham. It is believed that this photograph was taken during an All-Star event at Wigle Park in Windsor in the 1930’s. At that time Wigle Park featured a large stadium with grandstand which attracted fans from all over the region.

A official with players on rival teams William Bush (left) and ‘Flat’ Chase (right)

Back to previous page

The opinions and interpretations in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada.