Strrr-ike!!
Emmett Ashford, Major League Umpire
by
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My father had to endure not only
abuse as the villanous umpire but abuse because to
his race. He was the victim of vicious racial
slurs and epithets; and the system that
demanded separate living accommodations according to race while on the
road. When he began his preliminary
training, only 7 percent of the players were Negro and the umpires per game
consisted of a mere
four-man crew. My father was 5 feet 7 inches
and 180 pounds. In spite of being forced to carry the additional burden of prejudice on
his shoulders, he seemed to stand over 6 feet tall in the arena of courage.
In 1951, Emmett Ashford became the first
Negro umpire in organized baseball. He became part of the Minor Leagues which are
professional leagues recognized by the National Association of Professional
Baseball Leagues. He umpired in the
South Western International League which included
In 1954, while working in the
Pacific Coast League my father rose to the prestigious position of Umpire in
Chief. This designation required him to assist in the training of umpires, hold
clinics, advise in protestation games and coordinate crews. He had a unique style. He’s been described as dancing around the the plate. He was agile and light on his feet. His colorful style incorporated extra physicality and animation. He made his voice resound like thunder. He was a fantastic showman and still a snappy
dresser. He put the fans in the
stands. Television coverage of baseball
was expanding so and
my father received exposure to the
general public ,thus, attracting a wider audience.
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About the Book
As never before, this writing
covers the life of Emmett Ashford on his path to becoming the first Black major league
umpire. From 1940's
In this writing by Emmett Ashford's daughter,
Adrienne, enhances his experience with her personal anecdotes, reactions and
observations. This text is written in the first person -encompassing the relationship between
father and daughter. "I have a very vivid memory of activities of my
father." avers Adrienne. Emmett and
Adrienne's lives hold numerous parallels as you will discover upon reading this
publication. Adrienne, as her father, firmly believes that dreams can be
achieved by acquiring a good foundation, by believing in your dream and by
perservering. This book is about success. ... and
everyone loves a winner!
About the Author
Adrienne Cherie Ashford, daughter
of Emmett Ashford and Willa Gene Fort, received her Bachelor of Arts degree in
Social Sciences and General Elementary Teaching credential from the University of California at Los Angeles;
then later received her Master of Arts degree in Urban Education: Research,
Evaluation and Measurement, from California State University at Los
Angeles. She served as a Training
Teacher for Pepperdine University and as a Teacher
Adviser in the Title I programs of the Los Angeles Unified School District.
In addition, she is co-author of Welcome
to the Multicultural World of Dancesport, a dance
program designed to foster knowledge of Fine Arts in children. Adrienne is
Editor of the Dancezine magazine of the Dance Resource Center of Greater Los Angeles.