This week as part of Black History Month, we introduce you to Pete Hill, who was black baseball's first superstar.
Pete Hill had speed, a strong throwing arm, and the ability to hit for a high average and power. Hill was considered to be a premier center fielder with a rocket arm and excellent glove.
Playing for Negro League immortals Rube Foster and Sol White, he was a star everywhere he played. One year, Hill hit safely in 115 of 116 games.
In 1919, at the age of 36, Hill was asked by Rube Foster to become the player-manager of the newly formed Detroit Stars. He would serve in similar positions for the Milwaukee Bears and Baltimore Black Sox as well.
In 1944, future Hall of Famer Cumberland Posey selected Pete Hill to his All-Time All-Star team and referred to Hill as “the most consistent hitter of his lifetime.”
He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2006.
#HistoryInYourSize
