News
Harmon: Cincinnati fitting for CRG
Reds' first African-American player on hand for celebration
By Steve Gartner / MLB.com
06/17/09 7:25 PM ET
CINCINNATI -- Chuck Harmon stepped to the plate and wondered if he was in a dream. But it certainly wasn't. This was reality. And in that reality, Harmon made history. When he registered his first at-bat as a pinch-hitter for the Cincinnati Reds against Milwaukee on April 17, 1954, he became the first African American to play for the Reds in their history. In his four-year career, Harmon finished with a .238 average and seven home runs and 38 RBIs. "You look up at the crowd, and you look down at yourself and you wonder, 'Is this really me out there?'" Harmon said. "All of a sudden, a shiver goes through you and your whole body tingles." Harmon was at the Reds' Hall of Fame on Wednesday morning as part of the celebration of the Civil Rights Game held Saturday at Great American Ball Park. He is considered the Jackie Robinson of the Cincinnati Reds. A resident of the Cincinnati suburb, Golf Manor, Harmon said Major League Baseball couldn't have picked a better place for the first regular-season Civil Rights Game. "Cincinnati being at the top of the world in baseball is why they wanted to promote the game here," Harmon said. "Cincinnati is the baseball capital of the world." Harmon believes the Civil Rights Game is a fitting way to honor the legacy of the Negro Leagues and baseball's impact on the Civil Rights Movement. "I think they want to show history," Harmon said. "And they have to show it all." Harmon, originally from Washington, Ind., wasn't always just a baseball player. Being from the "Hoosier State" Harmon excelled in basketball winning the Indiana high school state basketball championship twice. His play earned him a basketball scholarship to the University of Toledo. From there, Harmon's success in basketball continued. He led the Rockets to the National Invitation Tournament final where they lost to St. John's. He also received All-American honors in 1943. "That was the big tournament," Harmon said. "It was like the World Series." Harmon briefly played in the Negro Leagues for the Indianapolis Clowns. His stay only lasted five games, though, before he took a job with the city of Toledo Recreation Department. Harmon signed with the Reds in 1952 as a utility player. He then played in the Texas League for the Tulsa Oilers for a season and also played the Puerto Rican League. Yet nothing topped the thrill of joining the Reds in 1954. "You hope you never wake up," Harmon said. "The thrill lasts forever in your mind." He said wasn't worried about any prejudices his teammates and fans held against him because of his race. He also had a teammate of Puerto Rican descent, Nino Escalera. "I didn't have any fights," Harmon said. "The fans all treated me good." Harmon also treats the fans well. He carries a deck of signed baseball cards with him and he gives them to young fans who are often too scared to approach him for an autograph. He said he jokes with fans about charging money for autographs as a way to put them at ease. "Have the check in the mail by Monday," Harmon jokingly said he tells fans. Harmon continues to follow the Reds and attends games on a regular basis. He said whenever he needs tickets they accommodate his wishes. And when he watches the Reds, he can relive his dream.Steve Gartner is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
