Braves Untold - African Americans

Felix Evans, famously nicknamed "Chin" for his grit and determination, was an incredible all-around athlete from Atlanta, GA. Renowned for his signature overhand curveball, often referred to as his "Mountain Drop," Evans showcased both his skill and resilience with the Atlanta Black Crackers in the 1930s. The Atlanta Black Crackers were originally formed as a professional negro league team. The Atlanta Black Crackers held significance to local black colleges and the Atlanta University Center as games and practices were held at Morehouse College and Morris Brown College.

Felix Evans attended Booker T. Washington High School however because of his love for baseball withdrew from school in the ninth grade to play professional negro league baseball for the Atlanta Athletics and Atlanta Black Crackers. In his early 20s, Evans returned to high school to fulfill a lifelong promise to his late grandmother and made an incredible comeback, reinventing himself on the gridiron as an all-state halfback for the Booker T. Washington Bulldogs.

Evans would go on to play college football at Morehouse College before returning to the diamond with the Atlanta Black Crackers and showcased exceptional athleticism as an outfielder, first basemen, pitcher and shortstop. Evans played with the Atlanta Black Crackers from 1937-39 and 1943.

On September 19, 1972, William DeVaughn Lucas better known as Bill Lucas was promoted by Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner as Vice President of Player Personnel, becoming the first HBCU graduate (Florida A&M University) and African American General Manager in Major League Baseball.

Lucas began his tenure with the Braves playing six years in the minor leagues. After a knee injury in 1965, he strived to find alternate ways to impact the game and climbed through different roles in the front office. As head of the Braves’ farm system in 1972, he played a pivotal role in developing players and coaches who became household names. Among his significant achievements, Lucas hired a young Bobby Cox as manager in 1978—who would later become a Hall of Fame skipper—and helped draft and develop future stars like Steve Bedrosian, Gerald Perry and Dale Murphy, a two-time MVP, and Rookie of the Year, Bob Horner.

In recognition of his immense contributions to the Atlanta Braves Organization, Bill Lucas was inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame in 2006. His legacy continues through initiatives like the Bill Lucas Fellowship, aimed at increasing diversity and providing career opportunities in baseball operations. In 2017, the Atlanta Braves officially named the Bill Lucas Conference Room at Truist Park in his honor.

The Braves celebrate the legacy of Bill Lucas through the annual Ralph Garr-Bill Lucas HBCU Baseball Classic, which showcases Florida A&M and Grambling State University baseball programs through a weekend series. * These initiatives strive to build talent while offering access and exposure for diverse individuals in the game of baseball.

As a proud HBCU alumnus, Bill Lucas exemplified leadership, perseverance, and excellence both on and off the field. The annual HBCU Swingman Classic held during MLB All-Star Week further honors his legacy by providing opportunities for HBCU student-athletes to showcase their talents.

*With the upcoming 95th MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard and HBCU Swingman Classic taking place in Atlanta this year, the Ralph Garr-Bill Lucas HBCU Baseball Classic will officially pause and resume in 2026.

Johnnie B. Baker, better known as "Dusty Baker," made his MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves on September 7, 1968, at just 19 years old. As an exceptional outfielder, Dusty was celebrated for his power hitting and consistent performance throughout his remarkable 19-year playing career.

He earned two All-Star selections (1981, 1982), won two Silver Slugger Awards (1980,1981), and captured a Gold Glove Award (1982).

His legacy extends to his managerial career, as he became the first African American manager to achieve 2,000 victories. Dusty made history in 2023 as the first African American to win a World Series both as a player and as a manager, further solidifying his place as one of baseball’s most respected figures. In 2024, Baker was recognized as the fourth recipient of the esteemed Baseball Digest Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dusty was also a pivotal member of the legendary 1974 Atlanta Braves team and can be seen on deck during Hank Aaron’s historic 715th home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s longstanding record.

Outside of baseball, Dusty Baker is a man of many talents and passions. He enjoys playing the guitar and listening to music. He is also a published author, having written You Can Teach Hitting (1994), Dusty Baker’s Hitting Handbook (2004), and Kiss the Sky: My Weekend in Monterey for the Greatest Rock Concert Ever (2017). These accomplishments highlight Dusty’s multifaceted personality and transcending influence on and off the field.

Braves legends Marquis Grissom and Marvin Freeman left a permanent mark on the Atlanta Braves franchise with their incredible talent and impact beyond the field. As proud HBCU alumni—Marvin from Jackson State University and Marquis from Florida A&M University—both are deeply committed to developing Atlanta’s next generation of baseball talent.

Grissom founded the Marquis Grissom Baseball Association (MGBA) based in Atlanta, which provides athletes from underserved communities with elite baseball development and competition. Through additional programs like The Hill Boys, Grissom offers young athletes training opportunities with current and former Major League Baseball (MLB) players. This initiative focuses on skill development, character building, and “fostering a lifelong passion for the game”. In addition, Atlanta's own, Michael Harris II, was a product of Grissom's programming and regularly visits to guide the next wave of Hill Boys alongside his mentor.

Freeman established the Marvin Freeman Youth Foundation based in Atlanta to provide pitching expertise and mentorship for underserved youth through life skills training. While utilizing his passion for coaching, Freeman strives to share his lifelong experiences and knowledge to further athletes one pitch at a time.

Both Grissom and Freeman actively coach and support the Atlanta Braves Nike RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) which offers high-level baseball and softball instruction for high school-aged players across Metro Atlanta.

Grissom and Freeman strive to advance the game by coaching and mentoring the next generation of players across the country. In 2023, both Braves Alumni made appearances as HBCU Alumni and coaches for the inaugural HBCU Swingman Classic which showcases and empowers young talent from HBCUs during MLB All-Star Week.