Google Doodle honors Toni Stone, The first woman to play in a men’s major baseball league

Toni Stone was born in West Virginia during an era of pronounced racial segregation in American sports. She began her professional career playing for the Wall Post American Legion Team and the San Francisco Sea Lions.

“During Toni’s career, she suffered humiliating prejudices from the audience and her teammates. However, she never let that stop her from playing baseball.”

Google’s latest Doodle honors athlete Toni Stone Wednesday, celebrating the day she was inducted into the Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame.

Stone overcame gender and racial discrimination to become the first woman in history to play professional baseball in a men’s major baseball league.

She began her professional career playing for the Wall Post American Legion Team and the San Francisco Sea Lions in the West Coast Negro Baseball League. She made about $200 to $300 per month, according to Black Past. That’s equivalent to about $3,000 to $6,000 by today’s dollar.

“Toni’s gift was to play sports, and she is celebrated today because she fought to play in a men’s baseball club in Minnesota. With the help of her priest who spoke to the baseball club’s coach, Toni got into the club,” Maria Bart low, Stone’s niece, told Google.

When researching Stone for the Doodle, Wray also noticed that, despite the challenges Stone experienced, she always had a “massive smile” on her face.

When researching Stone for the Doodle, Wray also noticed that, despite the challenges Stone experienced, she always had a “massive smile” on her face.

“Aunt Toni loved visiting schools and talking to children about her days in baseball. She always had a warm smile and reminded school kids that they could do anything they wanted to do if they just tried. She would be happy to see the many opportunities that women have achieved today, especially women of color,” said Shawn Bartlow, Stone’s great-nephew, to Google.