First African American Team Was a Hit

In 1963, black kids in Claude Johnson's neighborhood weren't allowed to play on the white baseball teams in .

So, he organized the city's first African American youth ball team and the Warriors were born.

"It was the way of the world and we accepted it," Johnson said recently as he sat in a recliner in his cozy den.

The View played low on TV and his wife of 57 years, Willie Mae, sat nearby—curlers covered by a kerchief.

Johnson, 75, was recently honored by the city during Black History Month for his efforts. Several of his former players were present, as well as family members, at the city meeting the night he was honored.

Coaching a ball team seems like a long time ago.

"Some draw Social Security now," said Willie Mae of the original players. "A few's already dead."

It's a tight-knit community where the Johnsons live, and many attend Zion Missionary Baptist Church, located across the street from the couple.

Claude said that going to church was part of the deal back then for players. "You gotta go to church to play," he said. "We don't have five teenagers down at the church now."

The kids were so excited to play back then they'd be at the Johnsons 30 minutes before they had to leave for a game.

"We never had to hunt them up," Johnson said.

The Johnsons always provided a means of transportation for the team. If Claude was working, Willie Mae would take them.

Claude said the city was great with helping the team out with equipment and a place to practice. "We didn't have to do nothing but play," Johnson said.

Until teams were integrated in 1965, Johnson's team traveled to Marietta, Canton, and other Cobb County locales to play other African American teams. His son, Ronnie, was a good ball player and continued on in high school.

"But he got into girls and quit out," Johnson said, not long after his son walked through the living room on a recent morning.

The senior Johnson was born in the Mars Hill area and went to the original Rosenwald School—known then as just the "school house"— until eighth grade. His family had 13 children and they lived on a farm.

Claude said his father told him he needed to quit school and get a job to help with expenses.

Johnson worked for a company associated with Lockheed from 1953 to 1971, and then worked at Hewlitt Packard from 1972 until his retirement in 2000.

"He's always been a fan of the community," said Frank White with the city's Parks and Recreation Department, "and he's never been recognized."

Do you know Claude Johnson? How would your describe him to others? Share in the comments!