MLBbro Catcher Elston Howard was a pioneering American professional baseball player who broke barriers as the first African American player for the New York Yankees, joining the team in 1955.
Elston was a two-time All-Star and six-time World Series player and coach. After retiring as a player, he became the first Black coach in the American League, serving on the Yankees’ staff from 1969 to 1979.
Howard was a significant figure in breaking racial barriers in baseball, paving the way for future generations of Black players. He is also credited with inventing the Batting Doughnut, a weight used by players for practice swings.
