Nino Escalera, who broke Reds' color barrier in 1954, dies at 91 in Puerto Rico

Nino Escalera, who made history alongside Chuck Harmon in April 1954 in becoming the first Black players to appear in a game for the Cincinnati Reds, died July 3 at age 91 in his native Puerto Rico.

Reactions via Twitter from the Reds as well as the National Baseball Hall of Fame:

Escalera hit .159 in 77 plate appearance for the Reds in 1954, his only Major League Baseball season.

Escalera also was believed to be the last left-handed throwing shortstop in the National League.

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