Bio

Known as the first African-American to break the Major League Baseball color barrier for umpires, Ashford officiated in the American League from 1966-70 following a 15-year career in the minor leagues. Ashford worked in the Arizona-Texas League, Western International League and then the Pacific Coast League for 12 seasons and became known for his exuberance, showmanship and energy, even interacting with the crowd between innings. He eventually served as the PCL's umpire-in-chief before his contract was sold to the American League.

Ashford attended Chapman in 1941 where he lettered in baseball and track and served as the sports editor for the school paper.

*Passed away: March 1980