By: Angela Redding | Hollywood Beat magazine | February 19, 2026
Lead Photos/Graphics: Hollywood Beat magazine/Sam Hairston’s image courtesy of Sports In Education Charitable Foundation
Before Major League Baseball completely welcomed Black players, and long before famous baseball families were honored, there was Sam Hairston.
He was a star in the Negro Leagues and a Triple Crown winner, and his impact on America’s favorite game lasted for over 70 years.
Hero of the Negro Leagues
This Black History Month, Hairston is being honored as a little-known hero of the Negro Leagues.
His influence extended beyond his playing career, changing Major League Baseball and inspiring leaders for generations.
Hairston’s journey started in a time when Black excellence was clear, yet opportunities were often out of reach.
First Black American player for the Chicago White Sox
As a standout in the Negro Leagues, he made history as the first Black American player for the Chicago White Sox, facing the challenges of early integration and dealing with segregation both on and off the field.
Hairston Was a Coach and Mentor for Over Forty Years
Despite reaching the pinnacle of baseball, systemic racial inequities prevented him from pursuing further education, a profound injustice that influenced his life’s purpose.
After his playing days, Hairston devoted over forty years to coaching and mentoring within the Chicago White Sox organization, focusing on discipline, character, and education in addition to athletic success. His impact was especially felt within his own family.
Sam Hairston became the patriarch of a key multi-generational legacy in Major League Baseball.
Sons & Grandsons Make Mark in the Major Leagues
His sons, Jerry Hairston Sr. and John Hairston Sr., both made their mark in the Major Leagues during a period when Black players were still striving for equal opportunities.
Jerry Hairston Sr. is best known for his time with the White Sox, while John Hairston Sr. made history as the first Black American catcher for the Chicago Cubs.
The legacy carried on into the new century. Grandsons Jerry Hairston Jr. and Scott Hairston both had lengthy careers in Major League Baseball.
Jerry played for several teams, including the Yankees, where he celebrated a World Series. Scott spent over ten years in the majors, making a name with the Padres and Diamondbacks.
Impact Goes Beyond the Baseball Field
Hairston’s impact extends beyond the baseball field; his grandsons, John and Jeffrey Hairston, played in the minors before pursuing careers in public service.
John Hairston Jr. is currently the CEO of the Bonneville Power Administration, which is part of the U.S. Department of Energy and focuses on power production and marketing.
Meanwhile, Jeff Hairston has made history as the first Black American to hold the position of Fire Chief for the City of Gresham, Oregon.
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Sports Should Create Opportunities
Their journeys reflect Sam Hairston’s belief that sports should create opportunities. His influence extends beyond statistics to boardrooms, city halls, and communities nationwide.
Sam Hairston Educational Scholarship
The Sam Hairston Educational Scholarship honors that legacy by supporting future leaders who exemplify perseverance, education, and service.
More information
For more about the Sports In Education Charitable Foundation (SIECF), the Sam Hairston Scholarship, partnerships, or to donate, visit SIECF.org
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