Porterville Comets

From BR Bullpen

The Porterville Comets hold the distinction as being the first all-black team in the minor leagues as well as one of the first clubs with an African American manager. The squad began 1952 as the Riverside-Ensenada Comets, splitting their games between Riverside, California and the Mexican city of Ensenada, Baja California. When attendance in Ensenada was poor, the team moved part of their schedule to Porterville, California. By April 25th, they moved all their home games to Porterville.

Led by manager Chet Brewer, the Comets lineup included future big leaguers Tom Alston and Dave Roberts as well as Negro Leagues veteran Pullman Porter. However, the team struggled on the field to a 39-59 record before folding on August 1st.