Minnie Minoso, Chicago's First Black MLB Player, Has Died

CHICAGO (AP) — Major league baseball's first black player in Chicago, Minnie Minoso, has died.

The Cook County medical examiner confirmed his death Sunday morning. Minoso homered in his first Chicago at-bat in 1951. There is some question about his age but the White Sox say he was 92.

Minoso played 12 of his 17 seasons in Chicago, hitting .304 with 135 homers and 808 RBIs for the White Sox. The White Sox retired his No. 9 in 1983 and there is a statue of Minoso at U.S. Cellular Field.

Norm Crosby, Florence Henderson, Minnie Minoso, and Melissa Rivers Photo Credit: Bryan Haraway, Getty Images

Minoso made his major league debut with Cleveland in 1949 and was dealt to Chicago in a three-team trade two years later. He made his White Sox debut on May 1, 1951, and homered in his first plate appearance against Yankees right-hander Vic Raschi.

(Story by: The Associated Press)

Baseball legend Minnie Minoso receives a lifetime achievement award at the Victor Awards on July 10, 2004 Photo Credit: Bryan Haraway, Getty Images