east metro

Fowler would go on to form his own Negro League team, the Page Fence Giants, that barnstormed the nation traveling in its own railroad car. He is also credited with inventing what would become modern-day shin guards — by strapping wooden slats to his legs — to protect himself at second base from being spiked by white players.

Robinson would face a similar peril playing second base with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, the year he broke that color line — and was named baseball’s Rookie of the Year.

Jim Anderson • 651-925-5039

Twitter: @StribJAnderson