- Photograph by
- Unidentified
- Subject of
- Ashford, Emmett Littleton, American, 1914 - 1980
- Major League Baseball, American, founded 1869
- Date
- 1966-1970
- Medium
- silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
- Dimensions
- H x W: 9 1/8 × 7 in. (23.2 × 17.8 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 black and white photograph of Emmett Ashford in the act of umpiring. He is at the center of the image wearing dark clothing and protective gear, including a face mask. His right side faces the viewer. His right arm is extended out away from his body toward the right side of the image. His knees are bent and his right leg is positioned behind him with is weight on his left leg. Ashford is standing in the infield of a baseball field and a dugout can be seen in the background. A player is seated in the dugout and is holding a baseball bat. Behind the dugout and barrier are rows of spectators taking up the upper half of the image in the background. The back of the photograph is blank.
- Classification
- Photographs and Still Images
- Type
- gelatin silver prints
- 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
- 2014.16.4
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
- Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.




