Bob spent most of his life around the game of baseball and played in the Negro Leagues, MLB, and for a high-ranked semi-pro team in his later years. He played for the Negro Leagues' Memphis Red Sox from 1947-49 before becoming the first black player to appear for the Chicago White Sox in 1951. He struggled to find regular playing time over his five seasons in the White Sox organization and was selected by the Orioles in the 1955 Rule V draft. He became the first modern-era Orioles player to hit over .300 for the season when he accomplished the feat by hitting .311 for the '56 O's and received some MVP votes after the '57 season, also with the Birds.
Bob spent five of his nine MLB seasons playing for the Orioles and was their starting first baseman from 1957-60. He earned the nickname "Rope" for his propensity to hit line drives, which was uncommon for first baseman back then, as it still is today. Most teams want their 1B to hit for power, but Bob was successful regardless.
He passed away on September 7, 2004 in Wichita, Kansas; he was 84 years old. RIP Bob.
