Boyd, Bob - The Rope

BOB ‘THE ROPE’ BOYD

Died - Sept 7, 2004

Nicknamed "Rope" for his line-drive hitting, Bob began his baseball career with the Memphis Red Sox.  He was sent to the farm team in Knoxville TN, then was called back to the home club, where he had a good year. His batting average with Memphis Red Sox was .352 , .369 and .371, from 47' thru 49'.

In 1950 he was signed by the Chicago White Sox and became the first black player to sign with them. Boyd was the first Oriole regular to bat over .300 with .318 in 1957 and .309 the next year.

Sept. 2000 photo of Mr. Boyd (below) courtesy of Jim Sanders