In the opener of a Labor Day doubleheader against the Philadelphia Athletics, the Washington Nationals finally became integrated.
His name was Carlos Paula. A 26-year-old outfielder from Havana, Cuba, this six-foot-three man became the first person of color to play with the original Nationals/Senators.
Before that doubleheader at Griffith Stadium—now the site of the Howard University Medical Center—several Negro League teams called the place home. From the Washington Black Senators of the 1930s to the primary home of the Homestead Grays during the 40s, there was a strong Negro League presence in the nation’s capital.