Wendell Smith: A Trailblazer in Journalism and Baseball Integration

Wendell Smith: A Trailblazer in Journalism and Baseball Integration

If you were a fan of the Chicago Cubs or watched WGN TV in the 1960s, you may remember Wendell Smith, the intelligent and handsome reporter who became a household name. Beyond his broadcasting career, Wendell Smith was a figure of unwavering determination and advocacy, shaping the course of social progress. As a pioneering journalist and broadcaster, he played a crucial role in integrating baseball during racial segregation. Through his indomitable spirit and deep friendship with Jackie Robinson, Smith broke down barriers and became a trusted confidant and advocate for change. Moreover, his groundbreaking achievement as the first African-American broadcaster in Chicago solidified his position as a true trailblazer.

Early Career and Advocacy for Baseball Integration:

Wendell Smith, a native of Detroit, was the only African-American student at Southeastern High School. He excelled as a pitcher for the school team. His passion for baseball continued at West Virginia State College in Charleston, where he played on the baseball team and served as the sports editor for the school newspaper during his junior year.

Upon graduating in 1937, Smith joined the Pittsburgh Courier, a prominent African American weekly newspaper. Within a year, he became a sports editor, covering notable teams such as the Pittsburgh Crawfords, Homestead Grays, and the Pittsburgh Pirates of the National League. Through his coverage of exceptional Negro League players like Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and Cool Papa Bell, Smith became convinced of the immense talent and capability of African Americans to compete at the Major League level, given the opportunity.

Motivated by his deep disdain for racism and a burning desire for equality, Smith embarked on a persistent campaign to persuade Major League Baseball to integrate. In 1938, he conducted a comprehensive poll among National League players and managers, revealing that 75% favored integration, 20% opposed it, and 5% had no opinion. Armed with this compelling data, Smith presented his findings during a meeting of major league owners in 1939, passionately advocating for the integration of baseball.

Despite the lack of response to his presentation, Smith’s determination remained unwavering. He extended his advocacy beyond the Pittsburgh Courier, writing influential articles that gained significant attention through wire services and were widely read and reprinted in other newspapers. Smith even persuaded a prominent Boston politician to pressure the city’s two MLB teams to provide tryouts for African American players. As a result, three players, including the legendary Jackie Robinson, were granted the opportunity for a tryout. Unfortunately, similar to the outcome of the presentation to MLB owners, no significant progress materialized from these efforts. Nevertheless, Wendell Smith refused to give up, remaining resolute in his relentless pursuit of equality in baseball.

Supporting Jackie Robinson:

Despite the discouragement following the unsuccessful Boston episode, Wendell Smith’s friendship with Jackie Robinson would prove pivotal. In 1945, Smith met with Branch Rickey, the visionary and devoutly religious President of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Recognizing a shared vision, Smith and Rickey collaborated on a groundbreaking plan to pave the way for Jackie Robinson to become the first African-American player in Major League Baseball.

Smith’s role extended far beyond that of an advocate. He became Robinson’s invaluable friend, trusted advisor, and constant companion. Their enduring friendship was deeply cherished by Robinson’s wife, Mrs. Robinson, and their daughter, Sharon. Both expressed immense gratitude and admiration for Wendell Smith, acknowledging his unwavering support, steadfast friendship, and tireless advocacy.

Professional Achievements:

In 1946, Smith was hired as a sportswriter by the integrated Chicago American
newspaper, becoming the first African-American reporter fully accredited by the Baseball Writers Of America. This achievement marked another significant milestone in his illustrious career.

In 1964, Wendell Smith again made history as the first African-American broadcaster in Chicago, hired by WGN Chicago. His groundbreaking achievement shattered racial barriers in the broadcasting industry, opening doors for future generations of African-American broadcasters. Smith’s exceptional talent, insightful analysis, and professionalism challenged stereotypes and paved the way for greater inclusivity in media representation.

Wendell Smith’s advocacy efforts played a pivotal role in paving the way for racial integration in baseball, ushering in a new era of equality and inclusivity within the sport. His legacy extends far beyond the game, inspiring generations of journalists and broadcasters to challenge barriers and champion social justice causes. In recognition of his groundbreaking work, Smith was posthumously honored with induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1993. A high school in Chicago was named for him; he was portrayed in the film “42,” and a collection of his articles has been published. His remarkable journey is a testament to the power of determination, friendship, and unwavering advocacy in effecting transformative change.