Minnesota History Player - Toni Stone

The Minnesota History Center brings history alive with a variety of history players including Toni Stone. Toni, 1921-1996, was a pioneer for both women and African-Americans in baseball. This St. Paul native, born and raised in the Rondo neighborhood, broke many barriers by playing for the first time on men’s teams, all across the nation. Although she faced a great deal of discrimination, she rose among the ranks of farm town barnstorming teams to become the first woman to play professional baseball in the Negro Leagues. Her drive, perseverance and determination transformed her from a Minnesota “tomboy” to the “female Jackie Robinson” of the Negro Leagues.