Does anyone know anything about Emmett Ashford?
Info such as mother’s name, wife’s name, children, place of birth, personal/biographical info. I’ve been all over google and back, and all I can find is brief mentions of when he was umpire for what league.
any assistance greatly appreciated.
I’m searching newspapers from the 1950’s to see if I can help.
From a 1954 article, it says he was a postal clerk for 15 years. July 4, 1951, he ump a game in Mexicali, Sonora, Mexico, thus becoming the first “negro” ump in organized baseball. Also says he launched his career as a semi-pro in L.A. He was 5’ 10" and weighed 185 when the article was written. He was the top softball ump in Southern CA./Ariz. prior to being chosen for the big leagues.
Emmett replaced another umpire in the Ariz./TX. leagues in 1952. The other umpire was suffering from dysentery, broken ribs, and ptomaine poisoning, all acquired in umping in Mexico. (Welcome to the league, Bro!)
Another article said he was a prominent basketball ref in LA.
A 1952 article said he was named manager of the Southwest Comets team(all-negro) in the Southewest International League. The anouncement was made in Santa Monica. The team was to play an exhibition game at Wrigley Field in April of that year.
Ashford’s obituary appeared in the New York Times on March 4, 1980 that should have a fair amount of info on it.
You may need to go to a library to check it out. I can access it online, but copyright restrictions prevent me from cutting and pasting it.
His wife’s name was Virginia.
He was born 11/23/1914 in Los Angeles and died 3/1/1980 in Marina del Rey, CA. He attended Jefferson High in Los Angeles, then went to LA City College, and Chapman College, but did not graduate from there because of money problems.
thank you both,
I’ll shell out the couple of bucks and get the obit from the times.
both of you came up with something I hadn’t been able to find.
it is greatly appreciated.
L
I couldn’t believe it when I saw your thread. I grew up in Spokane, WA and was a big fan of the Spokane Indians When they were a AAA farm club for the Dodgers. I grew up seeing Frank Howard, Steve Bilko, Maury Wills, Tony Roig, Bob Gialambardo and Tommy Lasorda to name a few. I have one autographed baseball and it is signed by Emmett Ashford. He was a professional and a gentleman. Higher praise I cannot give.