Phillies Unveil New “Pioneers in Pinstripes” Display

Monday, April 15, Jackie Robinson Day, was an emotional day for many as the Phillies officially unveiled a new “Pioneers in Pinstripes” display to more than 70 family members of the team’s first Black and minority players.

This was the first time the family members saw their loved ones in the new display, which was created to honor the trailblazers of Phillies integration and racial/ethnic diversity, focusing mostly on the time from when Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier to when Dick Allen became the Phillies’ first Black superstar.

Pioneers in Pinstripes pays tribute to both the well- and lesser-known figures who helped pave the way for future generations of Black and other minority athletes on the Phillies and in the city, while also educating the public and serving as a home base for collections and research on the subject of Phillies integration.

The program featured incredible speakers including Phillies Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer John Middleton; Phillies Director of Amateur Scouting Administration Rob Holiday; Phillies broadcaster Tom Carthy; Willa Allen, widow of Phillies great Dick Allen; Ruben Amaro, Jr., former player and general manager and current Phillies broadcaster; Tazena Kennedy, daughter of John Kennedy, who was the first African American to appear in games with the Phillies in 1957; and Terry Washington, son of shortstop Ted Washington, who was the first Black player to be signed by the Phillies in 1952.

Phillies infielder Chuck Randall, who in 1955 was one of the first Black players to appear in games in the Phillies minor league system, had the honor of being the first to see the display. He was joined by 1983 NLCS MVP Gary Matthews, 2008 World Series champion coach Milt Thompson, and 1980 World Series champion Gary Maddox.

Family members of Phillies pioneers were recognized at the event, including those of Nathan Dickerson, who was among the first Black players to appear in Phillies minor league games in 1955; Eddie Logan, who was signed in 1956 and was one of the three sluggers nicknamed Murderer’s Row at the Class D Mattoon minor league team; Richard and Robert Haines, twin outfielders who were multi-sport phenoms from Montclair High School (NJ) and signed with the Phillies in 1958; and Hank Mason, who was the first Black pitcher to pitch in the major leagues for the Phillies in 1958.

After the unveiling, the Phillies hosted an on-field tribute before that night’s game to celebrate the legacy of No. 42, as well as recognize pioneers in pinstripes. Gail Quarles, daughter of pioneer Hank Mason, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.