Object Details
- Description
- Elston Howard was one of many players featured on collectible coins made by Topps and included in packs of baseball cards.
- Elston Howard played Nego League baseball for the Kansas City Monarchs from 1948-1950. He signed with the New York Yankee's in 1950, joining their minor league system after spending two years in Korea with the U.S. Army.
- In 1955, Howard made the Yankees' roster, becoming the team's first African American player. Given the depth of New York's lineup, he found himself playing numerous positions, such as outfield, catcher and third base, rotating with other players. Eventually Howard secured the team's permanent catcher position.
- With the Yankees, Howard was a 12 time All-Star, winning four World Series titles and two gold gloves. In 1963 he became the first African American to be named as the American League's Most Valuable Player. In 1967 Howard finished his career with the Boston Red Sox, where he played for two seasons.
- After retirement, Howard rejoined the Yankees, serving as the team's first base coach for ten years (1969-1979,) winning two more World Series with New York. His number 34 was retired by the Yankees in 1984.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- referenced
- New York Yankees
- maker
- Topps Company, Inc.
- date made
- 1964
- Physical Description
- metal (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 1 1/2 in; x 3.81 cm
- Object Name
- cap, bottle
