Bob Trice – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Bob Trice carved out a unique place in baseball history during his brief but significant major league career from 1953 to 1955.

He was born in Newton, Georgia, in 1926. This right-handed pitcher stood 6 feet 3 inches tall and made his mark not just through his performance on the mound, but through the barriers he broke along the way.

When Trice took the mound at Connie Mack Stadium on September 13, 1953, he became the first Black player to wear a Philadelphia Athletics uniform, making history in a city that had been notably slow to integrate its major league teams.

He spent time with the Homestead Grays of the Negro Leagues and then had a stellar 1953 season with the Ottawa A’s of the International League. That year, he posted a 21-10 record and earned recognition as the league’s Most Valuable Pitcher and Rookie of the Year.

Trice’s story is more than just his three-year major league career with the Philadelphia and Kansas City Athletics.

From his early days playing multiple sports in high school to his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and from his development under Negro League veteran Sam Bankhead to his eventual retirement from professional baseball, his journey reflects both the challenges and opportunities Black athletes faced in the 1950s.

Early Life and Background

Bob Trice’s journey to becoming the first Black player in Philadelphia’s major league history started in rural Georgia and took him through steel mill towns, military service, and segregated schools.

His athletic talents showed up early, shaped by the limited opportunities available to African American players in the 1940s.

Early Years and Family

Robert Lee Trice was born on August 28, 1926, in Newton, Georgia, to Benjamin and Henrietta Clark Trice.

He was the second of three boys in the family.

Shortly after Bob was born, the Trice family moved north to Weirton, West Virginia, searching for better economic opportunities.

Benjamin Trice found steady work in the area’s steel mills and spent the rest of his working life there.

The move to West Virginia put the family in a region with more industrial jobs but still within a segregated society.

Bob grew up seeing the limitations placed on African Americans during this era.

At Dunbar High School, the segregated school for Black students in Weirton, Bob excelled in multiple sports.

He captained the football, basketball, and baseball teams, showing exceptional athletic ability across all three.

His success at Dunbar High School laid the foundation for his future baseball career.

The school provided one of the few opportunities for young Black athletes to showcase their talents in an organized setting.

Amateur Baseball Beginnings

At age 17, Bob joined the U.S. Navy on March 30, 1944, during World War II.

While serving, he played first base for various military base teams and kept developing his baseball skills.

The Navy discharged Trice on May 17, 1946.

He returned home to Weirton and briefly worked alongside his father in the steel mills.

The demanding physical labor of mill work didn’t suit Trice.

“I worked there one day, and that was enough,” he later said about his brief time in the steel industry.

After leaving the mills, Trice kept playing baseball for local teams.

He pitched for a semipro team in nearby Steubenville, Ohio, and also played left field and pitched for the Weirton Negro Stars.

These early playing experiences helped Trice shift from a multi-sport athlete to a focused baseball player.

The semipro and Negro team exposure would prove crucial for his future professional opportunities.

Influence of African American Baseball Pioneers

In 1948, the Homestead Grays discovered Trice’s talent and signed him to play professional baseball.

The Grays were one of the most successful teams in Negro League history.

Trice actually preferred playing first base, but the Grays needed pitching help.

“I still thought I was a first baseman when I joined the Homestead Grays,” Trice said. “They had such a team that the only place a fellow had a chance to break in was as a pitcher.”

Sam Bankhead, a former Negro League star, became Trice’s mentor with the Grays.

Bankhead taught him crucial pitching fundamentals, especially about control and command.

“He taught me about control at Homestead,” Trice said of Bankhead’s influence.

This guidance proved essential as Trice developed from a raw athlete into a skilled pitcher.

Jackie Robinson’s breakthrough into the major leagues in 1947 changed everything.

Robinson’s success with the Brooklyn Dodgers opened doors for other talented Black players like Trice to chase opportunities in organized baseball.

Negro Leagues Career

Bob Trice started his professional baseball journey with the Homestead Grays in 1948.

He developed his pitching skills under the guidance of Sam Bankhead.

His three-year stint in the Negro Leagues laid the foundation for his eventual breakthrough to Major League Baseball.

Time with Kansas City Monarchs

Records show that Bob Trice spent most of his Negro League career with the Homestead Grays, not the Kansas City Monarchs.

He joined the Grays late in the 1948 season after catching their attention while playing for a semipro team in Steubenville, Ohio.

Trice played sparingly during his first season with the Grays.

He made his first documented appearance in a relief role against the Indianapolis Clowns in Pittsburgh and helped secure a 4-1 victory.

The 1949 season marked Trice’s best year in the Negro Leagues.

The Grays joined the Negro American Association and dominated the first half of the season.

Trice played a key role in their championship run.

He earned the win in Game Two of their four-game sweep over the Richmond Giants.

Key 1949 Achievements:

• Helped Homestead Grays win Negro American Association championship
• Recorded victory in championship series against Richmond Giants
• Established himself as reliable pitcher under Sam Bankhead’s mentorship

Transition to Major League Baseball

Trice’s path to the majors kicked off in 1950 when he left the Homestead Grays mid-season.

He joined the Farnham Pirates of the Class-C Provincial League, following recommendations from former Grays teammates who were already playing in organized baseball.

Sam Bankhead, who played a huge role in Trice’s development, took over as Farnham manager in 1951.

Bankhead signed Trice and used him as both a pitcher and everyday player.

This versatility helped Trice adapt to organized baseball’s different style of play.

Trice’s transformation from Negro League player to major league prospect happened fast.

After posting a 16-3 record with St. Hyacinthe in 1952, he earned a spot with the Ottawa A’s of the International League in 1953.

He had a remarkable 21-10 season with Ottawa and was named Most Valuable Pitcher and Rookie of the Year.

That performance led directly to his call-up to the Philadelphia Athletics.

On September 13, 1953, Trice became the first Black player in Athletics history, making his debut at Connie Mack Stadium.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Bob Trice played three seasons in Major League Baseball from 1953 to 1955 with the Philadelphia Athletics, who later became the Kansas City Athletics.

He made history as the first Black player in Athletics franchise history and finished with a 9-9 record and a 5.80 ERA across 27 games.

Debut with Philadelphia Athletics

Bob Trice made his major league debut on September 13, 1953, at Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia.

At 27 years old, he became the first Black player to wear an Athletics uniform in franchise history.

The Philadelphia Athletics signed Trice after he won 21 games for the Ottawa A’s in the International League that same season.

His debut came against the St. Louis Browns. He pitched eight innings but took the loss in a 5-2 defeat.

Despite the losing debut, Trice quickly proved his worth.

He appeared in three games during his rookie season and won his next two starts against the Washington Senators.

This strong finish helped secure his place on the team for the next season.

Performance in the American League

Trice played 27 games over three seasons in the American League.

He posted a 9-9 win-loss record with 21 games started and nine complete games.

His ERA of 5.80 reflected the challenging jump from the Negro Leagues to Major League Baseball.

The right-handed pitcher stood 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighed 190 pounds.

He threw 152 innings and struck out 28 batters while allowing 98 earned runs.

His performance had flashes of brilliance mixed with the growing pains typical of players making the jump to the majors.

Trice could swing the bat, too.

He batted .288 with 15 hits in 52 at-bats, including one home run and six RBIs.

His .423 slugging percentage was impressive for a pitcher during that era.

Key Games and Statistics

Trice’s best moment came on April 24, 1954, against the New York Yankees.

He pitched a complete game shutout, winning 1-0 in front of 4,920 fans at Connie Mack Stadium.

That performance really showed he could compete against the American League’s top team.

His career stats include:

• Games: 27 (26 as pitcher)
• Complete games: 9
• Shutouts: 1
• Innings pitched: 152
• Strikeouts: 28

His last Major League appearance came on May 2, 1955, against the Washington Senators.

He pitched 3.2 innings, allowed six hits and five earned runs in his final big league outing.

Notable Teammates and Opponents

During his time with the Philadelphia Athletics, Trice played alongside several notable players.

The team featured shortstop Eddie Joost and pitcher Bobby Shantz, who won the American League MVP award in 1952.

Manager Jimmy Dykes led the team during Trice’s early career.

Trice faced some of the era’s best pitchers and teams.

His debut loss came against Don Larsen of the St. Louis Browns, who would later pitch a perfect game in the 1956 World Series.

His victories against the Washington Senators helped build his reputation in the league.

The Athletics organization gave Trice opportunities to compete against American League powerhouses.

His shutout victory over the Yankees was a career highlight against one of baseball’s most successful franchises in the 1950s.

Historic Achievements and Legacy

Bob Trice made history as the first African American player to wear a Philadelphia Athletics uniform, breaking the color barrier for the franchise in 1953.

He contributed more than just breaking barriers, showing solid defensive skills and participating in crucial double plays during his three-year career.

Breaking Barriers in Philadelphia

Bob Trice broke new ground when he made his major league debut on September 13, 1953, at Connie Mack Stadium.

He became the first Black player in Philadelphia Athletics history.

This milestone happened six years after Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.

Trice spent three years with the Homestead Grays in the Negro Leagues from 1948 to 1950.

He earned his promotion to Philadelphia after winning 21 games for the Ottawa A’s in the International League, where he was named “Most Valuable Pitcher” and “Rookie of the Year” in 1953.

His greatest career moment happened on April 24, 1954, when he pitched a complete game shutout against the New York Yankees, winning 1-0 in front of 4,920 fans at home.

That performance showed he could compete at the highest level against elite competition.

Comparison to Other African American Players

Bob Trice broke barriers for the Philadelphia Athletics, but his career looked pretty different from other big-name African American players of his time. Jackie Robinson became a Hall of Famer and a cultural icon, while Trice only played for three years, finishing with a 9-9 record and a 5.80 ERA.

Trice arrived with the second wave of Black players in the majors. Willie Mays debuted in 1951, two years before Trice, and went on to become a legend in the Hall of Fame. Rod Carew started his career in 1967, representing the next generation of African American stars who benefited from what earlier players like Trice accomplished.

Trice didn’t put up eye-popping stats, but his role as a trailblazer in the Athletics franchise still matters. He just couldn’t match the consistent greatness of some of his contemporaries.

Contribution to Double Plays and Defensive Play

Bob Trice took part in the defensive teamwork needed for double plays as a pitcher, though there aren’t many detailed stats about his fielding. At 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, he had good reach and positioning on the mound.

He covered first base on grounders and backed up bases during double play chances. Those basic skills were a must for pitchers in the 1950s, when teams really valued defensive teamwork.

His time in the U.S. Navy probably helped shape his disciplined approach to defense and staying aware during games. That experience made him appreciate working with infielders to pull off defensive plays.

Stadiums and Notable Venues

Most of Bob Trice’s major league career played out at Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia. That’s where he made his historic debut and had his best pitching performance.

He also pitched at other big-time ballparks from that era.

Shibe Park and Connie Mack Stadium

Connie Mack Stadium was Trice’s main home field during his years with the Philadelphia Athletics. The place was originally called Shibe Park, but they renamed it for the legendary manager Connie Mack.

Trice made his big league debut at Connie Mack Stadium on September 13, 1953. That day, he became the first Black player in Athletics history. The stadium saw both his debut loss to the St. Louis Browns and his first wins against the Washington Senators.

His best moment came at this ballpark on April 24, 1954, when he threw a 1-0 complete game shutout against the New York Yankees. Only 4,920 fans were there, but it was the high point of his career.

The stadium’s close, old-school feel made a fitting stage for Trice’s short but meaningful time with the Athletics. His three games there in 1953 helped cement his spot in baseball’s integration story.

Playing at Ebbets Field and Wrigley Field

Trice mostly pitched in Philadelphia, but as a visiting pitcher, he also got to play in other famous parks around the American League. During the 1953-1955 seasons, he showed what he could do in a bunch of different ballparks.

He faced teams like the Yankees, Browns, and Senators at their home fields during road trips. The Athletics’ schedule meant Trice regularly visited stadiums all over the American League.

He pitched in 27 career games, both home and away, so he had to adjust to different ballpark quirks and crowds. Every stadium brought its own challenges, and Trice had to tweak his pitching style to fit the place and the atmosphere.

Retirement and Life After Baseball

Bob Trice’s pro baseball career ended in 1955 after he struggled with shoulder injuries and inconsistent play. After leaving Major League Baseball, he found new chances in international leagues and made a mark as a pioneer for baseball integration.

Final MLB Season and Retirement in 1955

Trice’s last season in Major League Baseball came in 1955. When the Philadelphia Athletics moved to Kansas City, he went along, hoping to turn things around.

He had some good outings in spring training and started the regular season strong. But those shoulder problems kept coming back.

The injury, which had been nagging him since 1954, messed with his pitching mechanics. That really hurt his performance.

After a string of rough appearances, the Kansas City Athletics sent Trice down to Columbus in the International League. He never made it back to the majors after that.

He finished with 9 wins and 9 losses in 27 games over three seasons (1953-1955). His MLB career wrapped up when he was just 29.

Post-Baseball Life and Legacy

After leaving MLB, Trice kept playing pro baseball abroad. In 1956, he joined the Mexico City Reds in the Mexican League and seemed to enjoy the game again.

The Sporting News reported that Trice was much happier in Mexico. He pitched, played outfield, and even hit. The laid-back vibe helped him rediscover his love for baseball.

“He’s having fun pitching, playing in the outfield, and hitting,” wrote correspondent Miguel A. Calzadilla. That was a big change from his time in the majors, where he’d felt the strict structure took away the fun.

Trice’s pro career ended in 1958. After that, he lived pretty quietly, out of the public eye. He passed away on September 16, 1988, at 62.

Recognition and Honors

Bob Trice’s biggest achievement was breaking the color barrier for Philadelphia pro baseball. He became the first African American to play for the Philadelphia Athletics on September 13, 1953.

That historic moment came six years after Jackie Robinson integrated Major League Baseball. Trice’s debut at Connie Mack Stadium was a big step in baseball’s long integration process.

He never made the Hall of Fame, but his pioneering spot in Philadelphia baseball history still stands out. His short, impactful career helped open the door for future African American players in Philadelphia.

Key Career Statistics:

• MLB Career: 1953-1955
• Record: 9-9 in 27 games
• Teams: Philadelphia/Kansas City Athletics
• Career ERA: Not specified in available records

Trice’s legacy isn’t just about numbers. He helped integrate pro baseball in Philadelphia during the 1950s.

Media and Visual Records

There’s not a ton of visual documentation of Bob Trice’s baseball career, mostly because of when he played and how short his time in the majors was. Most of the media you’ll find are stock photos from his playing days and some archival footage from 1950s baseball.

Stock Photos and 360° Panoramic Images

You’ll mostly see stock photos of Bob Trice from his time with the Philadelphia and Kansas City Athletics, between 1953 and 1955. These shots usually show him in uniform at spring training or during games.

Most pictures catch Trice in his pitching motion or in team photos. The images are black and white, which was the norm in the early ‘50s. Some show him at Municipal Stadium in Kansas City during the Athletics’ first year there in 1955.

Available photo types include:

• Team roster photos
• In-game action shots
• Spring training pics
• Promo materials

There are also 360° panoramic images of stadiums where Trice played, like Connie Mack Stadium and Municipal Stadium in Kansas City. These help give a sense of his playing environment, though actual panoramic shots from Trice’s own playing years are pretty rare.

Historic Videos and Vectors

It’s tough to find video footage of Bob Trice. Baseball games didn’t get much TV coverage in the early 1950s, especially not games with mid-level players on struggling teams like the Athletics.

Some video clips exist in newsreel archives and Athletics promo materials. These are usually just a few seconds long, showing Trice warming up or in team group shots.

Video sources include:

• Newsreel archives
• Team promo films
• Local TV sports segments

You’ll also find vector graphics and illustrations of Trice mostly in old baseball card designs and promo art from the 1950s. Local newspapers and team programs used these drawings to cover Athletics games during his career.

Net Worth and Personal Insights

Bob Trice’s short but important MLB career from 1953-1955 brought in modest earnings, which was pretty normal for that era. Even so, his role as a groundbreaker in Philadelphia baseball left a lasting mark.

Estimated Career Earnings

Baseball salaries in the 1950s were nowhere near today’s numbers. Most players made $5,000 to $15,000 a year.

Trice probably earned around $6,000 to $8,000 as a rookie with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1953. His pay might’ve gone up a bit in 1954 and 1955, but likely stayed under $10,000 per season.

Minor league pay with Ottawa and other teams was much less. Players usually made $200 to $400 a month during the season.

All told, Trice probably earned between $20,000 and $30,000 from pro baseball. Adjusted for inflation, that’s about $200,000 to $300,000 today.

He didn’t have endorsement deals or much post-career baseball income. Like most players from that time, Trice worked regular jobs after retiring.

Personal Reflections and Influence on the Sport

Trice decided to leave baseball in 1955 after shoulder injuries kept him from pitching well. He admitted to reporters that pitching “just wasn’t fun anymore” during his tough stretch in 1954.

He leaned on his religious faith when things got rough. People around the league knew him as a “serious Bible-reading pitcher,” and he often drew moral inspiration from his beliefs.

That calm demeanor on the mound? It really showed who he was off the field too. Teammates and managers liked how he always prepared and studied opposing hitters.

Trice, as Philadelphia’s first Black player, opened doors for those who came after him. His professional attitude played a big part in showing that integration could actually work in major league baseball.

Former manager Eddie Joost called Trice “a conscientious guy” who “gets the ball over the plate.” Folks respected his reliability even after his playing days ended.