February 5, 2007

In 1963, Richard Allen, dubbed “Richie” by the media, became the first African American to play baseball for the minor league team based in Little Rock (Pulaski County). Signed by the Philadelphia Phillies, the AAA Arkansas Travelers was his last stop before being called up to the majors. Allen weathered the daily racism to lead the Travelers in batting and the league in three other categories. At the end of the season, he was voted the team’s MVP. After leaving Little Rock, Allen went on to a successful fifteen-year career in the majors.