Remembering Hughie Jennings

The great Hughie Jennings passes away 96 years ago today at the age of 53.

Jennings, the pride of Pittston, Pa., is a longtime player and manager in the major leagues, and eventually gets inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1945.

Frank Grant

Long before then, Jennings makes his pro debut in 1890 with the Harrisburg Ponies of the minor league Atlantic Association.

One of his teammates that summer is infielder Frank Grant, arguably the finest Black player of the 19th century.

When Grant finally is inducted in the Hall of Fame in 2006, Harrisburg earns the distinction of being the earliest team in pro baseball to have Black and White teammates destined for induction in Cooperstown.