John Kennedy (kennejo02)

John Irvin Kennedy

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 10", Weight 175 lb.
• High School Edward Waters College
• Debut April 22, 1957
• Final Game May 3, 1957
• Born October 12, 1926 in Jacksonville, FL USA
• Died April 27, 1998 in Jacksonville, FL USA

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Biographical Information

"John Kennedy, Kansas City Monarchs’ shortstop last year, is the first Negro ever to undergo spring training with the Phillies." - from a 1957 Sporting News article quoted here

John Kennedy was the first Afro-American and second person of color to appear in a game for the Philadelphia Phillies. His first appearance was on April 22, 1957. The first person of color to appear for the Phillies was Chico Fernandez, whose first appearance was on April 16th that same year. Their appearances completed the integration of the National League 10 years and 1 day after it began, although the Phillies continued to retain segregated Spring Training facilities until 1962. The Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox would complete the integration of the American League in subsequent years.

In Kennedy's debut, he pinch ran for Solly Hemus on second base. Although Kennedy was 0 for 2, he did reach on an error and scored a run. He was previously the shortstop for the Birmingham Black Barons and Kansas City Monarchs.

John had a long career in both black and white leagues, and after his pro days were over, he played in over-30 leagues in his hometown of Jacksonville, FL. [1]

He was thought to be 23 years old when he got to the majors rather than his real age, 30. He was in spring training with the Phillies before Fernandez because Fernandez was acquired in a trade during spring training. Kennedy hit well in spring training but the Phils were not convinced his arm was good enough to play shortstop. Source for this paragraph: Kennedy Fernandez was a light-skinned Cuban who was called a Negro by newspapers of the time. [2] and [3]

He is sometimes referred to as John Irvin Kennedy to distinguish him from a later John Kennedy named John Edward Kennedy.

Related Sites

• John Kennedy at the ABR Bio Project