After starring for Syracuse of the International League in 1951

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Criticism of the Yankees’ racial attitudes reached a crescendo thanks fifa 15 coins largely to the obvi- ous talent of Vic Power, who became the first young black player in their system to begin attracting widespread attention.24 Power could play anywhere in the infield or outfield, but his favorite position was first base, one of the Yankees’ few weaknesses at the time. In addi- tion, Power was from Puerto Rico and would have been a natural drawing card for the large Puerto Rican population of New York . But Power was also flashy, a trait that didn’t fit the Yankees’ corporate image. He was outspoken and wasn’t afraid to use his fists — traits the Yan- kee brass found unacceptable in a black player, though they were willing to overlook them in a white man.

“The first requisite of a Yankee is that he be a gentleman, something that has nothing to do with race, color, or creed,” intoned Dan Parker, sports editor of the New York Daily Mirror.25 For some reason, Parker didn’t feel compelled to explain how feisty white Yankee veterans like Billy Martin and Enos Slaughter managed to pass that particular test. But the thing that probably distressed the Yankee brass the most was that Power was known to date white women. According to Roger Kahn, George Weiss told representatives of both the New York Times and the Herald Tribune, “Maybe he [Power] can play, but not for us. He’s impu- dent and he goes for white women.”

After starring for Syracuse of the International League in 1951, Power enjoyed another banner year with the American Association Kansas City Blues in 1952. An early indication that something was amiss surfaced when the Yankees brought up third baseman Andy Carey and outfielder Bob Cerv rather than Power when the Blues’ season ended. Carey and Cerv were both right-handed hitters who played positions that Power handled adeptly, and neither could match Power’s hitting stats or versatility. Insult was added to injury when Power wasn’t even invited to train with the parent club the next spring. The press castigated the club for blatant discrimination against Power, and protests by black and Puerto Rican youths occurred at Yankee Stadium, probably strengthening anti-minority sentiment in the front office.