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Cincinnati Reds' first African-American player dead at 94

Posted March 20, 2019 7:00 am

The Associated Press

FILE - In this April 20, 2004, file photo, former Cincinnati Reds player Chuck Harmon, left, reaches across a plaque honoring him to shake hands with his son, Chuck Harmon Jr., during ceremonies before the Reds game against the Atlanta Braves in Cincinnati. Harmon, the Reds' first African-American player, died Tuesday, March 19, 2019. He was 94. (AP Photo/Al Behrman, File) The Associated Press

CINCINNATI (AP) - The Cincinnati Reds' first African-American player has died at the age of 94.

The team says Charles "Chuck" Harmon died Tuesday, nearly 65 years after he made his debut against the Braves in Milwaukee on April 17, 1954. It did not provide details.

Harmon had remained a familiar figure in Cincinnati as a regular participant in fan and community events.

Among his Reds honors is a bronze plaque near their stadium entrance.

A native of Washington, Indiana, Harmon served in the Navy and was a standout basketball and baseball player at the University of Toledo . He worked his way into Major League Baseball seven years after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier.

Harmon played more than two seasons as a Reds utility player. He also played for the Cardinals and Phillies in his four years in the majors.

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FILE - In this April 15, 2014, file photo, Chuck Harmon leaves the field after being presented with the Powel Crosley Jr. Award prior to the start of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Cincinnati. Harmon, the Reds' first African-American player, died Tuesday, March 19, 2019. He was 94. (AP Photo/Al Behrman, File) The Associated Press

FILE - In this March 1956, file photo, Cincinnati Reds' Charles Harmon poses during spring training baseball in Tampa, Fla. Harmon, the Reds' first African-American player, died Tuesday, March 19, 2019. He was 94. ( (AP Photo/File) The Associated Press

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