Back to the New York Yankees Newsfeed

Podcast – A Brief History: Elston Howard breaks the Yankees color barrier

The plaque honoring Elston Howard in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium says:

A man of great gentleness and dignity. One of (the) all-time Yankee greats. American League MVP in 1963. A fitting leader to be (the) first black player to wear the Yankee uniform. ‘If, indeed, humility is a trademark of many great men — Elston Howard was one of the truly great Yankees.’

It was dedicated on July 21, 1984. The only unfortunate thing about the day was that Elston was not alive to witness the ceremony and his number 32 being retired.