On May 26, 1953, the Cardinals split a doubleheader with the Baby Bears in Chicago by taking the first game 6-3, before dropping the second tilt 3-2. The first contest was highlighted by a 3 for 3 performance by Red Schoendienst who blasted a first inning home run. However, that is not the reason the date was historically significant in Cardinals history, as the organization made history off the field on that day as well by signing a young outfielder by the name of Len Tucker out of Fresno State College in California. Tucker, was the first ever African American ballplayer to be signed by the club. This came six years after Jackie Robinson changed the course of history with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Tucker never did get a call to the majors, but he was a man who helped the wheels of progress move forward. Within a year there were 14 African American men in the organization, which included Tom Alston, who became the first African American to play for the big club in April of '54.Here is an article about "Lightnin Len" that was written in 2008:
http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080204&content_id=344050&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp
We should also tip our caps to all of those who have sacrificed their lives to protect our freedoms. I believe that it is important to remember these men everyday, not just on holidays. Tucker was a veteran. He served his country proudly as a member of the United States Air Force. If you have served or are currently serving Thank You for your service.
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