Luke Easter Wore No. 9

He was an outstanding major league baseball player more than 65 years ago. Summer days, chores done early, my ears glued to the radio, I would listen for Luke Easter, a power hitter, to add to his RBI stats helping the Cleveland Indians to another victory.  He and Larry Doby, No. 14 were my favorites.

I should not be amazed that I remember those numbers bold on the backs of their uniforms and called out time and time again by the sports broadcasters of the day.

Facts from the past have always been important to me.  Since I envisioned writing about our lives, telling my family’s story – from childhood on, vivid memories linger, are easily recalled.

The family loved baseball because my father loved baseball.  The game was an exciting part of a childhood firmly directed by my dad and loyally supported by mother.   Our lives in the 30’s through the 50’s are well told in “Black Star Girl” my memoir published in 2010.  In the 1930’s,  John W. Woods, Jr. (1902-1960) was one of the owners of the Zanesville Black Stars, a semi-pro baseball team.  Hence this proud daughter of his chose “Black Star Girl” as the book's title.

Masthead of the teams stationery

Luke Easter was born on August 4th.  His birth year is questionable, perhaps 1915 but years 1911 – 1921 are reported in some data.  His major league baseball career ended in 1954, due to knee and ankle problems.  However, the talented athlete continued to play organized ball until he was 48 years old

Tragically, his date of death is not a mystery.  He died on March 29, 1979.   Luke Easter, a chief steward of a union organization was shot at close range when robbers attempted to commandeer the $35,000 he was taking for deposit to the bank.  

Hall of Famer, Larry Doby, the 2^nd black to play in the major leagues (behind Jackie Robinson) began his career on July 5, 1947.  He was also the 2^nd black hired to manage in the major leagues. Larry Doby died on June 18, 2003 after battling cancer.