A former player in the Negro Leagues, the Cuban-born Minnie Minoso made his major league debut with the Cleveland Indians in 1949. In 1951, he earned The Sporting News Rookie of the Year honors, having led the American League in steals and triples. That same year, he also became the Chicago White Sox's first black player. A three-time stolen base champion, Minoso hit for power and average. He spent most of his career with the Indians and White Sox as an outfielder, but he also saw stints in St. Louis and Washington. A nine-time all-star and three-time gold-glover, Minoso retired in 1964 with a.298 career batting average. He briefly returned to the White Sox in 1976 to become the oldest player (at fifty-three) to collect a hit. In 1980, he became only the second major leaguer to bat in five different decades. A fan favorite, Minoso was a goodwill ambassador for the White Sox.

Further Reading:

Minoso, Minnie. Extra Innings: My Life in Baseball. Chicago, Regnery Gateway, 1983.

Minoso, Minnie, with Herb Fagen. Just Call Me Minnie: My Six Decades in Baseball. Champaign, Illinois, Sagamore, 1994.