Bud Fowler

John W. "Bud" Fowler (March 16, 1858 – February 26, 1913) was an African-American baseball player, field manager, and club organizer. He is the earliest known African-American player in organized professional baseball; that is, the major leagues and affiliated minor leagues. He played more seasons and more games in organized baseball than any African American until Jackie Robinson played his 11th season in 1956.

Early life and education

In 1858 Fowler was "born 'John W. Jackson,' the son of a fugitive hop-picker and barber" (Riley 1994, 294) in 1858. His father had escaped from slavery and reached New York. In 1859, his family moved from Fort Plain, New York, to Cooperstown. Growing up as a child there, he learned baseball. Why he selected the name Bud Fowler is unknown. According to biographer L. Robert Davids, he was nicknamed "Bud" because he called the other players by that name.

Baseball career

Fowler first played for an all-white professional team based out of New Castle, Pennsylvania in 1872, when he was 14 years old. He is documented as playing for another professional team early in 1878, when he was 20. On April 24, 1878, he pitched a game for the Picked Nine, who defeated the Boston Red Caps, champions of the National League in 1877. He pitched some more for the Chelsea team, then finished that season with the Worcester club. Largely supporting himself as a barber, Fowler continued to play for baseball teams in New England and Canada for the next four years.

Bud Fowler (Canadian football)

Charles "Bud" Fowler (born c. 1926) was a Canadian football player who played for the Toronto Argonauts. He won the Grey Cup with them in 1950.

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