Red Sox to honor team’s first black player

BOSTON - The first black player for the Boston Red Sox will be honored during the team’s annual Jackie Robinson Day ceremony at Fenway Park.

Pumpsie Green will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Friday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles.

Green debuted with the Red Sox on July 21, 1959, more than 12 years after Robinson broke major league baseball’s color barrier with the Dodgers. Green went on to play three more seasons with Boston.

Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino says the team is grateful to players like Robinson and Green for their courage and contributions.

The Red Sox were the last major league team to have a black player.