Welcome to Buster's Blog

Irregular commentary on whatever's on my mind -- politics, sports, current events, and life in general. After twenty years of writing business and community newsletters, fifteen years of fantasy baseball newsletters, and two years of email "columns", this is, I suppose, the inevitable result: the awful conceit that someone might actually care to read what I have to say. Posts may be added often, rarely, or never again. As always, my mood and motivation are unpredictable.

Buster Gammons















Thursday, January 12, 2017

Groundbreakers


Somebody has to be the first, and the faint of heart need not apply

These were the first on the big stage, making history and breaking barriers -- in this case, race barriers.  Each of these consequential individuals had extraordinary patience, grace, intelligence, dignity, and ability.  They were sorely tested, persevered, and succeeded -- iconic examples for the ages.

They were essential.  They moved us forward, and we could use more like them.  Now would be good.


Kenny Washington, first black NFL player, Los Angeles Rams, 1946


Jackie Robinson, first black MLB player, Brooklyn Dodgers, 1947


Earl Lloyd, first black NBA player, Washington Capitols, 1950


Althea Gibson, first black tennis player on the USTA Tour, 1950


Willie O'Ree, first black NHL player, Boston Bruins, 1958


Charlie Sifford, first black golfer on the PGA Tour, 1961


Barack Obama, first black President of the United States, 2008

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