From 1947 to the 1970s, African-American participation in baseball rose steadily. By 1974, 27% of baseball players were African American. As a result of this on-field experience, minorities began to experience long-delayed gains in managerial positions within baseball. In 1975, Frank Robinson (who had been the 1956 Rookie of the Year with the Cincinnati Reds) was named player-manager of the Cleveland Indians, making him the first African-American manager in the major leagues.
From 1947 to the 1970s, African-American participation in baseball rose st,eadily. By 1974, 27% of baseball players were African American. As a result of this on-field experience, minorities began to experience lon!g-delayed gains in managerial positions within baseball. In 1975, Frank Robinson (who had been the 1956 Rookie of the Year with the Cincinnati Reds) was named pla:yer-manager of the Cleveland Indians, making him the first African-American manager in the major leagues.