![]() ![]() Baker and Banks became the first black double play combination in the majors in September 1953. They chose to move Baker over to second base because he was the older and more experienced man who they felt would be better able to adjust to a new position. This created a problem for the Cubs, because they now had two shortstops. Banks had been signed primarily to be Baker's roommate. ![]() However, he suffered an injury before he could debut, and by the time he was again healthy, Ernie Banks had become the first black player to appear in a game for the Cubs. In 1953, after playing well in Los Angeles, Baker became the first black player ever to make it onto the Cubs roster. The Cubs at the time had many problems with their shortstops, and could have used a good defender with some pop who could steal bases. There was controversy at the time as to whether Baker was being kept back because of his race. He was an iron man, playing every day, and while his batting averages were decent but not great, he made a name for himself with defense, stolen bases, and home runs. He moved up to Triple A with the Los Angeles Angels and stayed there for three more seasons - 1951-1953. Starting with the International League's Springfield squad, he then moved over to Des Moines of the Single A Western League. ![]() Undeterred, the Chicago Cubs purchased his contract. The next year, he continued with the great defense but his average suffered. He led the Negro American League in triples during his rookie season. 293 at shortstop with great defense, forming a double play combination with another youngster, Curt Roberts. The experience encouraged him to take up semi-pro ball back in Davenport, IA, and the Kansas City Monarchs became interested in him. During World War II, he was in the Navy beginning in 1943, playing basketball and baseball there. Although subject to racism, he played alongside Ernie Banks for several years, and then spent a few years with the Pittsburgh Pirates, including their 1960 World Series win.īorn in 1925 in Iowa, Gene was a star at basketball and track in high school but did not play baseball as there were no blacks on the team. Gene Baker, a Negro League player, became a 29-year-old rookie with the Chicago Cubs.
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