*Everyone knows by now that the last time the Chicago Cubs went to a World Series was in 1908 – 39 years before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier.
So when Cubs lead-off hitter Dexter Fowler likely steps to the plate at 7:08 p.m. Tuesday against the Cleveland Indians (1908 military time), he will become the first African American player in franchise history to compete in a World Series.
Fowler on Twitter Sunday wrote he was “speechless” when he heard.
Wow… speechless. Thanks for sharing this fact. I will carry it with me https://t.co/OkcHe5sx15
— Dexter Fowler (@DexterFowler) October 23, 2016
Fowlers’s wife shared her feelings about the historic moment, posting on Instagram: “On Tuesday, my husband should be standing at the plate, the first African American Chicago Cub to bat in baseball’s World Series. My heart is full, and my throat holding back from crying with humble gratefulness. God is allowing my husband to honor Him in such an incredible way. Thank you God Thank you @Cubs Thank you Chicago.”
Twitter also took note of Fowler’s expected history-making at-bat:
@DexterFowler Last time Cubs were in Series, Lt. Jackie Robinson had just avoided a court martial for refusing to move to back of army bus.
— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) October 23, 2016
@DexterFowler @way_addison @jazayerli I can’t think of a better @Cubs to have this honor. FYI it will also be 1st Cubs #WorldSeries on TV.
— Michael Douglas (@ChicagoMGD) October 23, 2016
@DexterFowler @JasonIsbell @jazayerli many say not accepting players from the Negro leagues was our real curse. Go get em’ Dex. Go Cubbies!
— Ross Adams (@Ross_J_Adams) October 24, 2016
@DexterFowler Couldn’t have picked a better torchbearer. THANK YOU DEX!!
— Chris Frye (@Chrisf65) October 23, 2016
@DexterFowler as a Dodger fan it’s been hard to root for you lately. Love watching you play tho. This fact is pretty awesome. #GoodLuck
— Lou Acosta (@Lou2124) October 24, 2016
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