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Dexter Fowler Would Be The First Black Cubs Player In The World Series

By Justin Breen | October 24, 2016 1:19pm
 Dexter Fowler is about to make history
Dexter Fowler is about to make history
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Flickr Creative Commons/Ash Marshall

CHICAGO — When Dexter Fowler likely steps to the plate at 7:08 p.m. Tuesday (that's 1908 military time), he will become the first black Cubs player to compete in the World Series.

Fowler on Twitter Sunday wrote he was "speechless" when he head about the fact.

The last time the Cubs were in the World Series, 1945, there weren't even black players in Major League Baseball. Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947.

"Mr. Cub" Ernie Banks was the first black player to don a Cubs jersey in 1953. He played 19 years for the Cubs, but never reached the World Series. His closest call came in 1969, when the Cubs collapsed late in the season and lost the pennant to the New York Mets.

Banks died on Jan. 23, 2015 at age 83.

Banks for the ninth black player to ever compete in the majors.

The Cubs are looking for their first World Series title since 1908. The Indians haven't won a major league title since 1948. Games 1 and 2 are in Cleveland; 3-5 are at Wrigley Field; and 6-7 back in Ohio.

Fowler is the likely leadoff hitter for the Cubs for Game 1. In 10 postseason games this year, he has 11 hits and 4 RBIs.

 

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