
William was regarded as one of the greatest players of his time and if he had been white, Williams would have definitely been a major league prospect. 300 in each season, while the Crimson went 54-16-1. During his three years with the team, Matthews stole 42 bases and batted above. The Crimson altered its 1903 schedule after several southern schools vowed they would not compete against Harvard if Matthews played. The pitcher/infielder went on to become an educator in New Jersey.ġ902 William Clarence Matthews played shortstop for Harvard's varsity baseball team as a freshman.

The Crimson center rusher was a repeat All-America honoree in 1893. He played in the Crimson's 6-0 loss to Yale in 1892, but so impressed Walter Camp that he was named to Camp's All-America squad.

Lewis went on to Harvard Law School and continued his football career. He was voted as Amherst's captain in 1890. Lewis had initially attended Virginia Normal (now Virginia State), but moved north in 1889. Molineaux Hewlett, an African-American, as its first director of physical education culture.ġ892 Harvard's football team featured the first black All-American in the form of William Henry Lewis, who had been an undergraduate at Amherst College. The content will focus on the significant achievements and impact that Black student-athletes, coaches and alumni have had on the history of Harvard Athletics.įollow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for photos, graphics, videos and updates in celebration of Black History Month.ġ859 On October 16, 1859, Harvard University announced the appointment of A. – Throughout Black History Month, Harvard Athletics is proud to honor and celebrate the achievements of our Black student-athletes, coaches and alumni.ĭuring the month of February, Crimson student-athletes, coaches and alumni will be highlighted in an on-going social media campaign with content posted on Harvard Athletics' social media channels beginning on Feb.
