Pumpsie Green
From BR Bullpen
Elijah Jerry Green
- Bats Both, Throws Right
- Height 6' 0", Weight 175 lb.
- School Contra Costa Community College
- Debut July 21, 1959
- Final Game September 26, 1963
- Born October 27, 1933 in Oakland, CA USA
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[edit] Biographical Information
Pumpsie Green was the first black player signed by the Boston Red Sox, the last major-league club to integrate. He played five seasons in the major leagues, primarily with the Boston Red Sox.
After high school Green was set to attend Fresno State, but went to Contra Costa Community College after his high school coach took up the coaching position there and told him he could be his shortstop there. While at Contra Costa he went to a tryout held by the Oakland Oaks of the Pacific Coast League and was signed by the team.
Green was first sent to play for the Wenatchee Chiefs in the Northwest League, and the moved to the California League's Stockton Ports. He was the league's MVP in 1955. During the season his contract was purchased by Boston Red Sox and the team wished to assign him to the team's Montgomery, AL affiliate in the South Atlantic League. He was due to room with Earl Wilson the organization's other black player. However, Green requested and received permission to stay with his California League team through the end of the season. He ended up being named the league's MVP.
He played with the Minneapolis Millers (American Association) through 1959 when he was called up to the Red Sox. He made his debut on July 21.
After his baseball playing days were over, Green took a job with the Berkeley, CA school district where he taught math and coached the school's baseball team. His brother, Cornell, played in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys.
