Shortstop Denied a Chance Because of Race

From the San Francisco Chronicle:

The 17-year-old American Legion shortstop thrives in his first tryout for the Pacific Coast League. He deftly handles every hard-hit ball from the coaches, who aren’t using a fungo bat.

At first base stands a friend who got him the tryout, Joe DiMaggio. The future Yankee Clipper is three years from going east and already a star with the Seals, but not the best young fielder in San Francisco at his natural position, shortstop.

That title belongs to his friend. There’s merely one problem for Tony Gomez (who was born in Mexico), one that will sabotage his tryout and prevent him from playing in the PCL or majors – his skin’s too dark.

As a baseball player, Tony Gomez is a historical footnote, struggling in half a season of Class C ball in 1939. The realities of racism during his era, along with his shortcomings with the bat, helped prevent other pro opportunities. Nonetheless, Gomez ranks among the best San Francisco ballplayers who never made it. Read more…

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