The world of baseball mourns the loss of one of its true pioneers. Ron Teasley, a veteran of the Negro Leagues and one of the oldest living former professional baseball players, died on February 3, at the age of 99. His passing marks the end of an era and a reminder of the profound impact that Negro Leagues players had on the sport and American history.
Teasley was widely known not just for his on-field accomplishments, but for the story his life represented: one of talent, perseverance, service, and leadership during a transformational time in baseball. As memories of his achievements and character pour in, his legacy stands as a bridge between eras in the game’s evolution.
A Detroit Native Who Broke Barriers
Born in Detroit, Michigan, on January 26, 1927, Ron “Schoolboy” Teasley emerged early as a standout athlete in his community. He was the first African American captain of the basketball team at Northwestern High School, and he went on to star in both baseball and basketball at Wayne State University.
Teasley’s athletic prowess earned him a shot in professional baseball at a historic moment in the sport’s history. After serving his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization in 1948, becoming one of the early Black players to join a major league franchise shortly after the breaking of baseball’s color barrier. Though he was released from the Dodgers’ farm system that same year, that opportunity itself reflected shifting tides in the sport.
After his stint with the Dodgers’ organization, Teasley joined the New York Cubans of the Negro National League, where he logged official playing time and contributed to a rich chapter of baseball history. His time with the Cubans remains an essential part of the narrative around Black baseball before full integration.
“When I joined the Negro Leagues, we would travel from city to city and the fans just welcomed us – especially the African American fans,” Teasley told Jerry Crasnick in 2025. “They felt like we were some kind of saviors. Things were pretty tough sometimes, with discrimination and that sort of thing. But whenever we came to town, it was like the circus was coming to town.
“They were so happy to see us. We played an outstanding brand of baseball, and they were so appreciative. I often think about that – how we would just encourage people to hang in there and work hard, and eventually things would change for the better.”
A Life Beyond the Ballpark
Teasley’s life after baseball was full of community impact and personal accomplishment. After retiring from professional play in the early 1950s, he completed his degree at Wayne State University and eventually earned a master’s degree in administration.
He spent 34 years with the Detroit Board of Education as a teacher and coach, influencing generations of young athletes in baseball, basketball, and golf. Teasley’s commitment to education and mentorship became a defining part of his legacy, far beyond his contributions on the diamond.
In addition to coaching, Teasley worked as a columnist and photographer for the Michigan Chronicle, covering significant events such as the 1948 Goodwill Games in Russia – a testament to his wide-ranging interests and abilities.
He was also recognized for his athletic and coaching achievements with inductions into several halls of fame, including the Wayne State University Athletic Hall of Fame and the Michigan High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Legacy in a Changing Game
At 99 years old, Teasley was one of the last surviving players from the Negro Leagues whose careers have been retroactively recognized in Major League Baseball’s official records – an acknowledgment that came after decades of advocacy and historical reevaluation.
With his passing, only a handful of players from that era remain, including 101-year-old Bill Greason, now the sole known surviving player from the Negro Leagues whose statistics are officially counted in MLB history.
The growing efforts to honor Negro Leagues players reflect a broader shift in how baseball, and sports history in general, confronts and celebrates contributions that were overlooked or marginalized for years. Teasley’s life and career embody that transformation. He wasn’t just a player; he was a representative of a generation whose love of the game helped shape its future.
A Beloved Figure Remembered
As tributes are shared across social media, museums, and the baseball community, Teasley is being remembered not only for his athletic ability, but for his character, service, and leadership. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum mourned his loss and celebrated his life; underscoring how much he meant to the sport’s history and to the people he inspired.
Teasley’s influence reached far beyond the Negro Leagues. Through his coaching, writing, and public engagement, he helped carry forward the stories of players who played in a segregated era, ensuring their contributions would not be forgotten.
His passing closes a remarkable chapter, but the story of Teasley will continue to resonate across baseball and beyond.
Negro Leagues Veteran and Third-Oldest MLB Player, Dies at 99