Definition
Samuel "Sam" Jethroe (December 23, 1917 – May 20, 2013) was an American professional baseball outfielder who played in Negro league baseball and Major League Baseball (MLB) during the mid‑20th century. He is noted for being the National League Rookie of the Year in 1950, the first Black player to receive the award.
Overview
Jethroe began his career in the Negro leagues, playing for teams such as the Homestead Grays and the Cleveland Buckeyes. In 1946, he joined the Cleveland Buckeyes and helped the team win the Negro World Series. His speed and defensive abilities distinguished him as a premier leadoff hitter.
In 1950, at the age of 32, Jethroe was signed by the Boston Braves (later the Milwaukee Braves) and became the first Black player to break the color barrier for the franchise. That season, he batted .273, stole 35 bases, and scored 61 runs, earning the National League Rookie of the Year award. He played for the Braves (1950–1952), the Detroit Tigers (1953), and the Chicago Cubs (1953) before returning to the Negro leagues and later to minor‑league baseball. Jethroe retired from professional baseball in 1955.
After retiring, he lived in Detroit, where he remained active in community and veteran baseball events. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s Negro Leagues Committee ballot in 2006, though he has not been elected to the Hall.
Etymology/Origin
The surname “Jethroe” is of uncertain origin; it is relatively uncommon and may be derived from Anglo‑Scottish or Irish naming traditions. The given name “Samuel” is of Hebrew origin, meaning “heard by God.” “Sam” is the common diminutive used throughout his baseball career.
Characteristics
- Position: Outfielder, primarily center field.
- Bats/Throws: Right/Right.
- Physical Stature: Listed at 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) and 165 lb (75 kg).
- Speed: Known for exceptional base‑running speed; his nickname “the Jet” reflected his quickness on the field.
- Batting Style: Contact hitter with a focus on on‑base percentage; career MLB batting average .261.
- Defensive Ability: Praised for strong range and reliable glove work in the outfield.
- Historical Significance: Among the early Black players who integrated MLB after Jackie Robinson; contributed to the gradual desegregation of professional baseball.
Related Topics
- Negro league baseball
- Integration of Major League Baseball
- Boston Braves franchise history
- National League Rookie of the Year Award
- Baseball Hall of Fame (Negro Leagues Committee)
- Prominent contemporaries: Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, Satchel Paige.