The Negro League Baseball History Fact For Today - Eddie Dwight

In celebration of Black History Month, here is Today’s Negro League Baseball History Fact:  Eddie Dwight.

Eddie Dwight kneeling first right to left

Born in Dalton, Georgia on February 25, 1905, Eddie Dwight played for the Kansas City Monarchs for two periods of time; 1928 – 1929 and 1933 – 1937.  He made his home in Kansas City, Kansas, my hometown on the west end of Kansas City’s Intercity Viaduct.  The Dwight’s lived on the northeast side of KCK, his children went to school with members of my family.

Although a good outfielder with speed and range, Dwight could not break into the Monarchs’ starting line up during his first stint with the team.  However, he returned in 1933 to become the No. 1 center fielder.   A good contact hitter and bunter with base stealing speed, Dwight primarily led the Monarchs offensive attack batting first.  Negro League fans selected him to play in the 1936 East-West All Star Game.

After retiring, Dwight owned a retail store in the 1950s.  In 1962, his son Eddie Dwight, Jr. became the first African-American chosen by NASA for astronaut training.

Negro League baseball is not just a part of African American history, but is woven into the fabric of 20^th Century American history.

To read more about the Negro League Baseball era Last Train To Cooperstown