Celebrating Black History: Toni Stone, A Trailblazer in Baseball
Celebrate Black History Month by honoring Toni Stone, the first woman to break barriers in professional baseball. A pioneer and inspiration! #BlackHistoryMonth #ToniStone #BaseballPioneer
St. Paul, Minnesota – During Black History Month, let’s shine a light on Toni Stone, a remarkable woman who broke both gender and racial barriers in the world of baseball.
Born Marcenia Lyle Stone in 1921, Toni grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she was known as a “tomboy” for her love of baseball. Despite her parents’ objections and societal expectations, she pursued her passion and became the first woman to play professional baseball in the Negro Major League.
Toni’s journey began in her neighborhood, playing with the boys and earning a spot on a local Catholic church’s boys’ baseball team. Her talent took her to the Twin City Colored Giants, a barnstorming team, and later to California, where she adopted the name Toni Stone. With determination and skill, she navigated through various teams, including the San Francisco Sea Lions and the New Orleans Creoles.
In 1953, Toni made history by joining the Indianapolis Clowns, filling the position left by Hank Aaron. As the first woman in the Negro Major League, she faced challenges and harassment but remained steadfast in her commitment to the game. She refused to conform to gimmicks, insisting on wearing the official uniform instead of a skirt.
Toni’s time with the Clowns was short-lived, but she left a lasting impact. She had a batting average of .364, one of the highest in the league. After playing with the Kansas City Monarchs, she returned to California, continuing to play and coach well into her sixties.
Toni Stone’s legacy was recognized later in her life, with honors from the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Sports Hall of Fame. St. Paul declared a “Toni Stone Day” and named a field after her. Her story was even brought to life in a theater production.
This Black History Month, let’s celebrate Toni Stone, a true pioneer in baseball and a symbol of perseverance and strength.
