Center City in Toledo in Lucas County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Moses Fleetwood Walker

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, May 23, 2016

1. Moses Fleetwood Walker Marker

Inscription. Moses Fleetwood Walker was born on October 7, 1856 in Ohio to Moses M. Walker, a physician, and Caroline, a midwife. He attended and played baseball at Oberlin College and the University of Michigan. In 1883, Walker joined the newly formed Toledo Blue Stockings and became the first African American major league ballplayer when Toledo joined the Major League-sanctioned American Association the following year. As a barehanded catcher, his biggest assets were his catching ability, powerful throwing arm, and aggressive base running. He endured racial prejudice from teammates, opponents, and baseball fans, and eventually left to become a writer, inventor, civil rights advocate, and entrepreneur. Walker was elected to the Ohio Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991. He died in 1924 and is buried in Stuebenville, Ohio in the family plot at Union Cemetery.

Erected 2003 by Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, Toledo City Council, City of Toledo, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 47-48.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Entertainment • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 7, 1856.

Location.

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41° 38.912′ N, 83° 32.398′ W. Marker is in Toledo, Ohio, in Lucas County. It is in Center City. Marker is at the intersection of Washington Street and North Huron Street, on the left when traveling east on Washington Street. The marker is located in the plaza area, just in front of Toledo's Fifth Third Field, home of the Toledo Muds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 406 Washington Street, Toledo OH 43604, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Tin Can (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bronze Boar (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Berdan (about 300 feet away); Huron St. Village (about 400 feet away); The Ruben Company (about 400 feet away); Root Outdoor Advertising Building (about 500 feet away); Basset's Nut Co. (about 500 feet away); Ontario Building (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toledo.

More about this marker. In my opinion the marker actually appears to be located on North Huron Street, but the Remarkable Ohio website lists the marker as being located at 406 Washington Street address, so that is what I decided to use.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, May 23, 2016

2. Moses Fleetwood Walker Marker

View of the marker situated just to the left of the entrance to Toledo's Fifth Third Field complex.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, May 23, 2016

3. Moses Fleetwood Walker Marker

View of the marker, looking north along North Huron Street.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, May 23, 2016

4. Moses Fleetwood Walker Marker

View of the marker, looking south along North Huron Street. Also included is a view of sign that is paying tribute to Moses Fleetwood Walker (seen attached to the nearest street pole on the nearest street corner).

Moses Fleetwood Walker Tribute image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, May 23, 2016

5. Moses Fleetwood Walker Tribute

View of a sign (attached to the nearest street pole) that pays tribute to Moses Fleetwood Walker. This sign is located at the northeast corner of Washington and North Huron Streets.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, May 23, 2016

6. Moses Fleetwood Walker Marker

A close-up view of the sign that pays tribute to Moses Fleetwood Walker. This sign is located at the northeast corner of Washington and North Huron Streets.

Photographed By Craig Doda, January 30, 2022

7. Moses Fleetwood Walker Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 25, 2016, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 837 times since then and 42 times this year. Last updated on January 30, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 26, 2016, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 7. submitted on January 30, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.