Red Sox: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly at Fenway Park
By Rick McNair
Willie Tasby
In 1958 my father packed us up and off to Charleston, South Carolina for about a month. His business of light manufacturing was opening a small ancillary plant in that area. That exposed me to racial issues that were visible in the south with all one would expect. Being brought up in a 100% white community it was an awakening for a 14-year-old. The separation was clearly demonstrated in virtually all aspects of society.
As I grew older I discovered that the tactics that happened in my area of the country were present but far more subtle. Now back to the following season – 1959 – and Willie Tasby of the Baltimore Orioles.
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I was sitting in the bleachers in a game that was meaningless to Boston – most were. I do remember it was late August night game and Tasby was in center. I will not mention the taunts, but it was sustained for several innings. No one complained or did a thing. I could use age as an excuse for my reluctance, but that is all it would be.
About a month prior to this game Pumpsie Green had finally broken the color barrier that had made the Red Sox the lone holdout from having a black player. Earl Wilson soon joined Green to raise the number to two players of color. Ironically Tasby was traded to the Red Sox in mid-season of 1960. I don’t recall hearing any follow-up taunts once Tasby wore a Red Sox uniform.
The biggest change I have seen at Fenway Park over the years is the growth of the minority fan base. I cannot recall seeing a person of color in the 1950’s at Fenway Park and rarely in the 1960’s. That has most certainly changed.