Black History Month Feature: Five Notable Players in Franchise History
In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club. While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great
In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.
While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”
Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Akron RubberDucks franchise.
Albert “Joey” Belle
Before becoming the big muscle in the middle of the Cleveland lineup in the mid-1990s, Albert Belle went by the name Joey and was a member of the brand-new Canton-Akron Indians in 1989. Belle was a force in the new franchise’s lineup, batting .282 with 20 homers, 20 doubles and 69 RBI for the “Little Indians” in 89 games.
Belle’s strong season caused Cleveland to promote the 22-year-old up to the Majors in 1989 where he appeared in 62 games and drove in 37 runs. Belle spent 12 years in MLB playing for Cleveland, Chicago and Baltimore while batting .293 with 381 home runs, 389 doubles and 1,239 RBI.
CC Sabathia
One of the biggest names to come through Canal Park, Sabathia made his debut for the Aeros in 2000 at the age of 19. Sabathia made 17 starts for Akron and went 3-7 with a 3.59 ERA, 90 strikeouts and an opponent’s batting average of .223 in 90.1 innings pitched.
The following season, 2001, Sabathia opened the season with Cleveland and never looked back en route to a 19-year career with Cleveland, Milwaukee and New York earning a Cy Young award in 2007 and a World Series ring in 2009. Sabathia finished his big-league career 251-161 with a 3.74 ERA and 3093 strikeouts.
Dave Roberts
Before swiping one of the biggest bases in ALCS history for the 2004 Boston Red Sox and before becoming just the second African American manager to win a World Series with the 2020 Dodgers, Roberts was traded from Detroit to Cleveland with Tim Worrell for Geronimo Berroa in late June 1998. After joining the organization, Roberts made an immediate impact in the Akron Aeros lineup batting .361 with seven home runs, 33 RBI and 28 stolen bases in 56 games.
His sparkling play earned him an end-of-year promotion to Triple-A Buffalo in 1998 and in 1999, Roberts made his Major League debut for Cleveland. Roberts spent 10 years in MLB for Cleveland, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Boston before becoming the first base coach for the Padres in 2010 and Dodgers manager in November 2015.
Grady Sizemore
Sizemore came to the Cleveland organization in late June 2002 as part of a blockbuster deal that sent Bartolo Colon and Tim Drew to the Montreal Expos for Sizemore, Cliff Lee, Brandon Phillips and Lee Stevens. In 2003, Sizemore made himself a household name to the baseball world when he hit .304 with 13 home runs and 78 RBI while swiping 10 bases in 128 games for the Akron Aeros, leading them to their first Eastern League Championship. The follow offseason, Sizemore catapulted all the way up to number 9 on the Baseball America prospect rankings.
In 2004, Sizemore made his debut in Cleveland and began a six-year stretch as one of the top players in MLB, making three straight All-Star teams from 2006-2008 and leading Cleveland to the ALCS in 2007. Injuries unfortunately derailed Sizemore’s career, but in total the outfielder spent 10 years in MLB for Cleveland, Boston, Philadelphia and Tampa Bay hitting .265 with 150 home runs and 518 RBI.
Juan Hillman
In 2021, Hillman had his best professional season in 21 games with Akron, going 10-4 with a 3.77 ERA and 85 strikeouts. Hillman tossed the RubberDucks’ only complete game in 2021 when he tossed seven shutout innings, allowing four hits and striking out six against the Altoona Curve in the second game of a double header on Aug. 6.
Hillman led qualifying pitchers in the Double-A Northeast in ERA (3.77) and led the league in wins with 10 when he was promoted to Triple-A Columbus on Aug. 31. Hillman’s performance helped the RubberDucks finish a league-best 73-46, and the team won the league championship. After the season, Hillman was named to the Double-A Northeast All-Star team as the top left-handed pitcher.
The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. The RubberDucks season is powered by FirstEnergy at Canal Park, with the home opener April 12, 2022, against the Reading Fightin Phils at 7:05 PM. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 330-253-5151 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, or visit akronrubberducks.com/. For more information about the team, please call 330-253-5151, visit the website at akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, or on Twitter @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram @akronrubberducks.
RubberDucks announce New Additions to the Extreme Foods in 2025
(AKRON, OHIO) April 2, 2025 – The Akron RubberDucks announce the addition of three new items to the Extreme Food Menu for the 2025 season. The WONE Base on (Meat)Balls is hollowed out French Bread layered three times with spicy giardiniera marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese and four meatballs topped with
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(AKRON, OHIO) February 12, 2025 – The Akron RubberDucks announce the 2025 promotional schedule presented by MCA of Akron/UA Local 219, which once again features a theme for all 69 regular season home games. The RubberDucks open the 2025 season at Canal Park on Tuesday, April 8 at 6:35 p.m.
May 28: RubberDucks fan 14 Patriots in 1-0 road win
May 28, 2025 RubberDucks Game Recap | Box Score Akron RubberDucks (32-15) 1, Somerset Patriots (22-24) 0 WP: Jake Miller (4-0) LP: Danny Watson (1-2) Save: Magnus Ellerts (2) Summary Five RubberDucks pitchers combined to strike out 14 Somerset Patriots batters in a five-hit shutout, while center fielder Jake Fox
May 27: Watson's 4-hit game paces Akron in 6-1 win at Somerset
May 27, 2025 RubberDucks Game Recap | Box Score Akron RubberDucks (31-15) 6, Somerset Patriots (22-23) 1 WP: Rodney Boone (3-1) LP: Cam Schlittler (3-5) Save: none Summary RubberDucks center fielder Kahlil Watson had four hits, two doubles and three RBIs, catcher Cooper Ingle had two hits and scored twice,
Rock Entertainment Sports Network to broadcast 15 Akron RubberDucks Games
(AKRON, OHIO) May 5, 2025 – The action of Akron RubberDucks baseball is coming to over-the-air and cable platforms this spring and summer, as Rock Entertainment Sports Network will broadcast 15 games featuring Cleveland Guardians prospects from Canal Park during the 2025 Eastern League season, beginning with Saturday, May 10,
RubberDucks games are live this season on iHeartMedia’s 640 WHLO
(AKRON, OHIO) April 3, 2025 – As the Akron RubberDucks open the 2025 Eastern League season in Richmond, Virginia, on Friday, April 4, their games will return to their radio home, NewsRadio 640 WHLO, continuing a longstanding partnership with iHeartMedia Akron/Canton. RubberDucks games will also be available to stream online
RubberDucks 2025 Single Game tickets are on sale now
(AKRON, OHIO) December 16, 2024 – Single game tickets are now on sale for all 69 Akron RubberDucks regular season home games from April 8-Sept. 7, 2025 at Canal Park. Fans can purchase single game tickets at akronrubberducks.com/tickets or by calling 855-97-QUACK. Single game ticket prices start as low as
RubberDucks to honor Donna Kelce and Stacy Carroll with bobbleheads in 2025
(AKRON, OHIO) March 27, 2025 – The Akron RubberDucks announce the mystery bobblehead giveaway presented by MCA of Akron/UA Local 219 on June 7 will be of Cleveland native Donna Kelce, and the mystery bobblehead giveaway presented by Distillata on Aug. 2 will be of actress Stacy Carroll. Kelce graduated
Habitat For Humanity 50/50 Raffle Winning Numbers
Past Winning Numbers for the Habitat For Humanity of Summit County Raffle at Canal Park: - May 25: A-6132973 - May 24: A-9479447 - May 23: A-5999917 - May 11: A-2228182 - May 10: A-6644256 - May 9: A-4811111 - May 8: A-1706999 - May 7: A-1396720 - May 6:
RubberDucks team up with Swensons Drive-In Restaurants to become the Akron Galley Boys for two games this season
(AKRON, OHIO) February 26, 2025 – The Akron RubberDucks and Swensons Drive-In Restaurants announce a partnership for the Akron Galley Boys nights on Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28. “Much like two great middle infielders make an amazing double play tandem, we are excited to partner with Swensons for
RubberDucks and Luigi’s Restaurant to partner for Akron Cheese Salads night
(AKRON, OHIO) March 18, 2025 – The Akron RubberDucks and Luigi’s Restaurant announce a partnership for the Akron Cheese Salads night on Friday, July 11. “We are thrilled to work together with Luigi’s to make our Akron Cheese Salads night even better,” RubberDucks President and General Manager Jim Pfander said.
Hit the ice with Matt Doherty at Canal Park August 9th for the Hum Goalie Goalie VIP Package
Purchase VIP Package (AKRON, OHIO) February 3, 2025 – Matt Doherty, the actor best known for his role of Lester Averman in The Mighty Ducks franchise, will be at Canal Park on Saturday, August 9. Tickets are available now for a special pregame VIP meet-and-greet with Doherty that includes a
Strike the Heisman pose with Troy Smith at Canal Park September 6th for the Scarlet & Gray VIP Package
PURCHASE VIP PACKAGE (AKRON, OHIO) March 3, 2025 – Ohio State legend and 2006 Heisman trophy winner Troy Smith will be at Canal Park Saturday, September 6. Tickets are available now for a special pregame VIP meet-and-greet with Smith that includes a picnic and guaranteed Troy Smith bobblehead presented by
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(AKRON, OHIO) April 2, 2025 – The Akron RubberDucks announce the completion of a multi-million dollar videoboard upgrade to improve fan experience for the 2025 season. The Canal Park videoboard project was privately funded by Fast Forward Sports Group as part of the more than $14 million of private investments
May 25: Ducks split Sunday twin bill with Curve
RubberDucks Game Recap | Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 Akron RubberDucks (30-15) 0/5, Altoona Curve (21-24) 1/4 WP: Emmanuel Chapman (4-1) LP: Shawn Rapp (0-3) Save: Wilkin Ramos (1) WP: Magnus Ellerts (2-0) LP: JC Flowers (0-1) Save: Zane Morehouse (5) Summary The Akron RubberDucks split the doubleheader
May 24: Two out offense and outstanding Peterson guide Akron to 10-0 win
RubberDucks Game Recap | Box Score Akron RubberDucks (29-14) 10, Altoona Curve (20-23) 0 WP: Austin Peterson (3-2) LP: Wilber Dotel (1-1) Save: Davis Sharpe (3) Summary Austin Peterson tossed seven shutout innings while the Akron offense exploded for seven in the eighth as the RubberDucks shut out the Altoona
Cleveland Guardians David Fry to rehab at Canal Park
(AKRON, OHIO) May 19, 2025 – Cleveland Guardians designated hitter David Fry is scheduled to play in a rehab assignment with the Akron RubberDucks this week starting Tuesday, May 20 at 11:05 a.m. against the Altoona Curve at Canal Park. Fry is appearing in his fourth rehab game since being
May 23: Akron sweeps twin bill behind Lampe's five hit day
RubberDucks Game Recap | Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 Akron RubberDucks (28-14) 6/5, Altoona Curve (20-22) 3/0 WP: Jake Miller (3-0) LP: Alessandro Ercolani (1-3) Save: N/A WP: Carter Spivey (2-0) LP: Garrett McMillen (1-1) Save: Zach Jacobs (1) Summary Joe Lampe picked up five hits and scored
Thursday May 22 game between RubberDucks and Curve Postponed due to rain
(AKRON, OHIO) May 22, 2025 – The Akron RubberDucks and Altoona Curve game on Thursday, May 22 has been postponed due to rain and will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Sunday, May 25. Game one will start at 4:05 p.m. The doubleheader on Sunday, May 25
Wednesday May 21 game between RubberDucks and Curve Postponed due to rain
(AKRON, OHIO) May 21, 2025 – The Akron RubberDucks and Altoona Curve game on Wednesday, May 21 has been postponed due to rain and will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Friday, May 23. Game one will start at 5:05 p.m. The doubleheader on Friday, May 23
May 20: Ducks school Curve 3-1 in Education Day win
RubberDucks Game Recap | Box Score Akron RubberDucks (26-14) 3, Altoona Curve (20-20) 1 WP: Rodney Boone (2-1) LP: Po-Yu Chen (0-4) Save: Zane Morehouse (4)
May 18: RubberDucks lose finale at Chesapeake, 10-1
May 18, 2025 RubberDucks Game Recap | Box Score Chesapeake Baysox (18-20) 10, Akron RubberDucks (25-14) 1 WP: Braxton Bragg (2-1) LP: Trent Denholm (5-1) Save: none Summary The Chesapeake Baysox scored nine runs across the fifth and sixth innings to seal a 10-1 Sunday finale victory over the Akron
May 17: Burgos homers, has 4 RBIs in 9-4 Akron win at Chesapeake
May 17, 2025 RubberDucks Game Recap | Box Score Akron RubberDucks (25-13) 9, Chesapeake Baysox (17-20) 4 WP: Aaron Davenport (3-0) LP: Levi Wells (0-2) Save: Zane Morehouse (3) Summary RubberDucks first baseman Jorge Burgos came within a triple of the cycle, driving in four runs, while designated hitter Cooper