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First Black Player in Pirates History: How Curt Roberts Broke Pittsburgh Color Barrier
TL;DR
Curt Roberts became the first Black player in Pittsburgh Pirates history in 1954, breaking the color barrier for the team. Previously, he played for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues before joining the Pirates' system through an agreement with the Boston Braves.
Curt Roberts
First Black Player in Pirates History: How Curt Roberts Broke Pittsburgh Color Barrier originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
While Pittsburgh was known for its legendary Negro League teams like the Crawfords and Grays in the early 1900s, the Pirates didn't have a Black player on their roster until 1954 when Curt Roberts officially broke the color barrier.
Roberts was a talented second baseman with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues before being signed by the Boston Braves. When the Denver Bears of the Western League became an affiliate of the Pirates, Boston and Pittsburgh reached an agreement to allow Roberts to join the Pirates' system.
Roberts later took the field for the 1954 season opener against the Phillies at Forbes Field, becoming a pioneer for the franchise.
As the baseball world celebrates Jackie Robinson Day, let's reflect on Roberts' legacy in Pittsburgh.
Who is Curt Roberts?
Roberts was a second baseman who officially integrated the Pirates on April 13, 1954. His arrival was championed by general manager Branch Rickey, who previously signed Jackie Robinson as a Brooklyn Dodgers executive, following significant pressure from the local community.
Roberts was an exceptional defender in the Negro Leagues, playing alongside future Hall of Famers like Ernie Banks and Satchel Paige.
In his MLB debut against the Phillies at Forbes Field, Roberts made an immediate impact by hitting a triple in his first at-bat. He went on to play 134 games during his rookie season, earning a reputation as a fielder with impressive range.
While he struggled to maintain high offensive numbers over the next two years, his presence was a catalyst for the franchise's future. By breaking the color barrier in Pittsburgh, he paved the way for the team to scout more diverse talent, leading to the arrival of Roberto Clemente in 1955.
After his three-season stint with the Pirates, Roberts continued to play professionally in the minor leagues, earning MVP honors for the Montreal Royals of the International League in 1959. His life was tragically cut short in 1969 when he was struck by a car while changing a tire on the side of a road. He was 40 years old.
When did Curt Roberts play for Pirates?
Roberts played for the Pirates from 1954 to 1956. He was a fixture at second base throughout the 1954 season, appearing in 134 games and logging more than 500 plate appearances as he shouldered the immense responsibility of being the franchise's first Black player.
His presence on the field diminished significantly over the following two years. In 1955, he appeared in only six games for the Pirates, spending most of the year with the Hollywood Stars of the Pacific Coast League. In 1956, he played in 31 games before his time with the organization came to an end.
After the 1956 season, Roberts was traded to the Kansas City Athletics, but he never appeared in an MLB game for them.
Curt Roberts career stats
The bulk of Roberts' production came during his rookie year in 1954. His playing time decreased significantly over the following two seasons.
| Season | Team | Games | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS |
| 1954 | Pirates | 134 | .232 | 1 | 36 | .612 |
| 1955 | Pirates | 6 | .118 | 0 | 0 | .387 |
| 1956 | Pirates | 31 | .177 | 0 | 4 | .561 |
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Q&A
Who was the first Black player for the Pittsburgh Pirates?
Curt Roberts was the first Black player for the Pittsburgh Pirates, making his debut in 1954.
What year did Curt Roberts break the color barrier for the Pirates?
Curt Roberts broke the color barrier for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1954.
Which team did Curt Roberts play for before joining the Pirates?
Before joining the Pirates, Curt Roberts played for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues.
How did Curt Roberts join the Pittsburgh Pirates organization?
Curt Roberts joined the Pittsburgh Pirates organization through an agreement between the Boston Braves and the Pirates after the Denver Bears became an affiliate of the Pirates.
