The Bittersweet Love Story of Toni Stone, the First African-American Baseball Player and Her Marriage to the US Army’s “First Black Officer”

Toni Stone was born as Marcenia Lyle Stone on July 17, 1921, in St. Paul, Minnesota. She grew up in a time when segregated baseball was the norm and female participation in sports was not encouraged. Stone’s father was a semipro baseball player who played for various semipro teams, which piqued her interest in the sport. As a child, she would keenly watch her father’s games and practice baseball with him. Stone developed excellent skills and became a baseball prodigy by the time she reached her teenage years.

In 1949, Toni Stone became the first female player to join the Negro Leagues when she signed with the Indianapolis Clowns. Stone played second base and proved her worth by batting .243 and earning respect from her teammates. She broke many gender and racial barriers during her time with the Negro Leagues. Despite experiencing racism and sexism, Stone persevered in her passion for baseball and achieved her dreams. In 1953, she left the Indianapolis Clowns and moved on to play with the Kansas City Monarchs for two years.

Toni Stone’s path crossed with Aurelious Pryor, who was known as the US Army’s “First Black Officer.” They met in 1961, after Pryor saw Stone perform in a local baseball game in San Francisco. They shared a passion for baseball and became close friends. Pryor proposed to Stone a few months later, and they got married in 1963. Stone’s marriage to Pryor was bittersweet, as his army career led him to move around frequently, and they were unable to spend much time together.

Toni Stone’s marriage life had many challenges. Aurelious Pryor had to serve in the US Army, which required him to move often and for long periods. Stone could not travel with him, and they were forced to maintain their relationship long-distance. Finally, in 1967, Aurelious Pryor was sent to serve in the Vietnam War, where he died in combat. The loss was devastating to Toni Stone, and it was a heartbreaking end to their love story.

1. Who was Toni Stone?
Toni Stone was the first African-American woman to play baseball in the Negro Leagues.

2. When did Toni Stone join the Negro Leagues?
In 1949, Toni Stone joined the Indianapolis Clowns and became the first female player to play in the Negro Leagues.

3. Who was Aurelious Pryor?
Aurelious Pryor was known as the US Army’s “First Black Officer” and was Toni Stone’s husband.

4. When did Toni Stone marry Aurelious Pryor?
Toni Stone married Aurelious Pryor in 1963.

5. What was the reason for Stone and Pryor’s separation?
Aurelious Pryor’s army career led him to move around, and they were unable to spend much time together.

6. What was the cause of Aurelious Pryor’s death?
Aurelious Pryor died in combat while serving in the Vietnam War.

7. What was the significance of Toni Stone’s career in baseball?
Toni Stone broke many gender and racial barriers and paved the way for many female athletes.

Toni Stone’s legacy as a female baseball player has proved to be genuinely inspirational. She proved that anyone, regardless of gender or race, could pursue their passion and achieve their dreams. Stone’s story has inspired many to break the barriers of stereotyping and strive to achieve their goals. Her passion for baseball has opened doors for many female athletes, and her legacy continues to inspire many to this day.

Toni Stone and Aurelious Pryor’s story is a beautiful and inspiring love story. It teaches us about perseverance, dedication, and love. In our daily lives, we should aim to break barriers and pursue our passion. We should never give up on love or our dreams, and we should honor the legacy of Toni Stone by working hard to achieve our goals.