Manufactured by
Unidentified
Issued by
California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, American, founded 1930
Los Angeles Dodgers, American, founded 1883
Los Angeles Angels, American, founded 1961
Subject of
Ashford, Emmett Littleton, American, 1914 - 1980
Date
1981
Medium
silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper , plastic , metal on wood
Dimensions
12 × 9 1/16 × 15/16 in. (30.5 × 23 × 2.4 cm)
Caption
Emmett Ashford was the first African American umpire in Major League Baseball (MLB). Ashford umped from 1966-1970 and was known for his animated calls and dress. After retiring as an umpire in 1970, Ashford continued his relationship with MLB and was hired by Commissioner Bowie Kuhn as a public relations advisor in 1971.
Description
A wood plaque with a black and white photograph of Emmett Ashford umpiring. Also attached to wood plaque is a black metal plate with an inscription. The photograph features Ashford at center with his left side facing the viewer. Ashford is gesturing wildly and appears to be calling an out during a baseball game. His left arm is extended out in front of him with his hand clutched in a fist. His right arm is bent close to his torso. His left leg is bent and raised above the ground. Ashford stands in an outdoor field with trees in the background. The photograph is situated underneath clear plastic that attaches to the plaque with four conical shaped studs. Below the photograph in the lower half of the plaque is a black metal plate with several lines of text. The text reads: [EMMETT ASHFORD / COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD / ORIGINATED APRIL, 1981 / AN AWARD ESTABLISHED IN MEMORY OF / MAJOR LEAGUE UMPIRE EMMETT ASHFORD, RECIPIENTS WILL / BE SELECTED BY THEIR DISPLAY OF THE CHARACTERISTICS / THAT WERE A PART OF EMMETT'S DYNAMIC PERSONALITY / CO-SPONSERS: / CAHPERD MULITCULTURAL DYNAMICS SECTION / LOS ANGELES DODGERS BASEBALL TEAM / CALIFORNIA ANGELS BASEBALL TEAM]. The back of the plaque has two beveled section where it could be mounted on a wall.
Classification
Awards, Medals, and Insignia
Type
gelatin silver prints
plaques
Topic
Baseball
Photography
Sports
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Frederick A. King and Family
Object number
2014.16.2
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown - Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd555bc6bfb-6a03-4603-945b-65ff3888014f

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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