ST. LOUIS — As the clock ticks down to the next chapter in his life, Bill Greason, a former Cardinals player who made history in both the Negro Leagues and Major League Baseball, turns 101.
Bill Greason’s 101st birthday is not only a personal milestone, but also a vivid chapter in the history of American baseball. A World War II veteran, one of only two living players to play in the Negro Leagues, and a pioneer who became the first African-American pitcher to wear a St. Louis Cardinals jersey, Greason has carved his name into the hearts of fans.
With a gentle smile and a deep voice, he delivers a simple yet heartfelt message:
“Baseball has given me a bigger family than I ever dreamed of. The Cardinals will always be in my heart.”
From Negro Leagues to Cardinals – The Journey of an Icon
Bill Greason began his career with the Birmingham Black Barons, where he was a teammate of a teenager named Willie Mays. The road to MLB was not easy, but in 1954, Greason made history as the first African-American pitcher for the Cardinals.
Although his MLB career was short-lived, his legacy goes beyond statistics. He is a living testament to the spirit of perseverance, daring to break barriers and pave the way for the next generation.
101 years – a life of great value
Beyond baseball, Bill Greason was a longtime pastor, dedicated to his community and became a role model of character and faith. Friends and former teammates called him “the storyteller of his generation,” as every word he spoke was steeped in experience, history and gratitude.
Congratulations from Cardinals and fans everywhere flooded social media:
“Happy 101st Birthday to the legend, Mr. Greason!”
“The heart of the Cardinals family still beats strong through you.”
A giant still green
At 101 years old, Bill Greason is not only the oldest living former player to play in MLB, but also a “giant” of baseball, a bridge between the past and the present.
While modern baseball is booming with Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and other young stars, Bill Greason reminds today’s generation that all current glory is built on the foundation of sacrifice and courage of those who came before.
Happy 101st Birthday, Bill Greason! A man who not only made Cardinals history, but also wrote an immortal epic about faith, resilience and love for baseball…
