Jackie Robinson
First African American Major League Baseball Player
Jackie Robinson
From Flatland News article,
1945 | Jackie Robinson’s Year with the Kansas City Monarchs
“Although Jackie Robinson only spent five months with the Kansas City Monarchs in 1945, he left an everlasting mark on the city. From donning the red and white uniform in April to his final appearance in August of that year, Robinson became a vital member of the team along with the legendary Satchel Paige. Robinson played shortstop while Paige was a for-hire pitcher.”
From the Royals Review article,
Jackie Robinson’s year in Kansas City
“Satchel Paige and Hilton Smith also played on that Monarchs team. While in Kansas City, Robinson lived at the Street Hotel, which stood at 18th and The Paseo. His favorite restaurant was a place called Ol’ Kentuck BBQ, which was later purchased by George Gates and eventually became Gates BBQ.”