Jo-Jo White was a professional baseball player who played in the Negro Leagues and Major League Baseball. He was born in Wiggins, Mississippi, in 1919 and began his baseball career in the 1930s. White was a versatile player who could play multiple positions, including pitcher, outfielder, and infielder.
White began his professional career with the Memphis Red Sox in the Negro Leagues. He played for several other teams in the Negro Leagues, including the Birmingham Black Barons and the Kansas City Monarchs. White was known for his speed and agility on the field, as well as his powerful arm.
In 1945, White was signed by the Boston Red Sox and became the first African American player to sign with the team. He played for the Red Sox for two seasons before being traded to the Cleveland Indians. White played for the Indians for three seasons before being traded to the St. Louis Browns.
White's best season in the major leagues came in 1952 when he hit .300 with 10 home runs and 59 RBIs for the Browns. He also had a career-high 17 stolen bases that season. White played for the Browns for two seasons before being traded to the Cincinnati Reds.
White played for the Reds for one season before being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. He played for the Phillies for two seasons before being traded to the Detroit Tigers. White played for the Tigers for one season before being released.
After his release from the Tigers, White played for several minor league teams before retiring from baseball in the early 1960s. He finished his major league career with a .272 batting average, 24 home runs, and 163 RBIs.
White's baseball career was notable not only for his on-field accomplishments but also for his role as a trailblazer for African American players in the major leagues. He was one of the first African American players to sign with a major league team and helped pave the way for future generations of players.
In addition to his baseball career, White was also a talented musician and played the saxophone. He passed away in 1986 at the age of 67.
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