Rube Foster
| Birthdate | 9/17/1879 |
| Death Date | 12/9/1930 |
| Debut Year | 1902 |
| Year of Induction | 1981 |
| Teams | Negro Leagues |
| Positions | Executive, Innovator, Owner |
Rube Foster was a pitcher, manager, executive and owner in the Negro Leagues. He is often called, “The Father of Black Baseball”.
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Rube Foster is often called "The Father of Black Baseball"
Rube Foster is often called "The Father of Black Baseball"
Rube Foster made a lasting mark on black baseball. On the mound he was fearsome. Hall of Famers Frank Chance and Honus Wagner called him the toughest pitcher they ever faced.
In 1911 he entered a partnership with Charles Comiskey’s son-in-law. Foster leased the White Sox former ballpark and installed the Chicago American Giants as its tenant. The move was a big step forward for black baseball.
In 1920 Foster founded the National Negro League. He served as the head of the league while maintaining control of the American Giants and serving as their manager.
As player, manager, founder, de facto commissioner, Foster is indeed “The Father of Black Baseball”.
Elected to the Hall in 1981, Foster was the first Negro League related person inducted as a pioneer or executive. The US Postal Service established a stamp bearing his likeness in 2010.
The stamp was formally issued at the Negro League Museum on the 20th anniversary celebration of the museum.
Buck O'Neil lists Foster as the manager on his All Time Negro League team
Buck O'Neil lists Foster as the manager on his All Time Negro League team
In 1981 Rube Foster posthumously gained baseball’s highest honor. The Veterans Committee voted him in as the 10th Negro League player in Cooperstown.
Here Fellow Hall of Famer Buck O’Neil lists Foster as his manager on his All Time Negro League All Stars. A quick glance down the list finds it peppered with other Hall of Fame players.
O’Neil himself was elected by the Veterans Committee. He was inducted into Cooperstown in 2022.
The most important man in forming the Negro Leagues. A true Hall of Famer.