By: HISTORY.com Editors

1975

Frank Robinson makes debut as first Black manager in MLB

HISTORY.com Editors

Published: August 24, 2021Last Updated: May 27, 2025

On April 8, 1975, against the New York Yankees in Cleveland, the Indians' Frank Robinson becomes the first African American to manage a game in Major League Baseball. Robinson, who also bats second, homers in his first at-bat in Cleveland's 5-3 win. Nearly 28 years earlier, the Brooklyn Dodgers' Jackie Robinson—no relation to Frank—became the first African American to play in the big leagues.

Negro League Baseball

Jackie Robinson's accomplishments on and off the field opened doors for all African Americans.

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Frank Robinson starred in the big leagues for the Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Orioles and also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and California Angels. In 1975, he was 39 and in his 20th MLB season as a player.

The Indians hired Robinson as manager shortly after the 1974 season, replacing Ken Aspromonte. Although Robinson knew he was making history, he wanted to be judged only for how well his teams performed.

"I don't see any problem firing me or any Black manager," he said.

The Indians finished 79-80 in 1975, and Robinson was fired partway through the 1977 season. In 1981, Robinson became the first Black manager in the National League when the San Francisco Giants hired him to replace Dave Bristol. He also managed the Orioles, Montreal Expos and Washington Nationals.

Robinson, who died of bone cancer at 83 on February 7, 2019, was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1982. A statue was dedicated to him outside MLB stadiums in Baltimore, Cleveland and Cincinnati.

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Citation Information

Article title: Frank Robinson makes debut as first Black manager in MLB
Author: HISTORY.com Editors
Website Name: History
URL: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/april-8/frank-robinson-first-black-manager-indians

Date Accessed: October 18, 2025
Publisher: A&E Television Networks
Last Updated: May 27, 2025
Original Published Date: August 24, 2021

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