Elston Howard was a professional baseball player who primarily played as a catcher and outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). He is best known for his time with the New York Yankees, where he became the first African American player in the franchise's history.

Howard was born on February 23, 1929, in St. Louis, Missouri. He began his professional career in the Negro Leagues, playing for the Kansas City Monarchs before being signed by the Yankees in 1950. After several years in the minor leagues, he made his MLB debut with the Yankees on April 14, 1955.

During his tenure with the Yankees, Howard established himself as a key player. He was known for his strong defensive skills behind the plate and his ability to hit for both average and power. He played a significant role in the Yankees' success during the late 1950s and early 1960s, contributing to several World Series championships.

Howard was selected as an All-Star multiple times and won the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 1963, becoming the first African American to receive the honor in the American League. His offensive contributions included a career batting average of .274, with 167 home runs and 761 runs batted in (RBIs) over his career.

In addition to his offensive prowess, Howard was recognized for his leadership and ability to handle pitchers, which made him a valuable asset to the Yankees' pitching staff. He played a crucial role in the development of several young pitchers during his time with the team.

In 1967, Howard was traded to the Boston Red Sox, where he continued to play until his retirement in 1968. He concluded his career with a brief stint in the minor leagues before stepping away from professional baseball.

After retiring as a player, Howard remained involved in baseball as a coach and instructor. He served as a coach for the New York Yankees and later for the New York Mets, contributing his knowledge and experience to the next generation of players.

Elston Howard's impact on the game extended beyond his on-field performance. He broke racial barriers in baseball and paved the way for future African American players in the sport.

⚾