Bud Fowler

Bud Fowler, the first professional black baseball player with one of his teams, Western of Keokuk, Iowa

Bud Fowler (March 16, 1858 - February 26, 1913), born John W. Jackson, was a baseball player and baseball club organizer, the first known African-American professional player. He played more seasons and more games in Organized Baseball than any black man until Jackie Robinson broke the color line in 1946 and played his 11th season in 1956.

John Jackson was born in Fort Plain, New York, moved to Cooperstown, New York next year, and learned baseball there. Why he selected the name Bud Fowler is unknown.

Fowler died in Frankfort, New York on February 26, 1913 after a time of illness and poverty that received national attention.

References

• Davids, L. Robert (1989). "John Fowler (Bud)". Nineteenth Century Stars. Edited by Robert L. Tiemann and Mark Rucker. Kansas City, MO: SABR. ISBN 0-910137-35-8