CSUB to host live interview with brother of Art Williams

Williams, a former Bakersfield resident, was the first Black umpire in MLB’s National League

By California State University, Bakersfield

July 27^th, 2022

The California State University, Bakersfield community will soon have the opportunity to learn about Art Williams, a former Bakersfield resident who became the first Black umpire in Major League Baseball’s National League.

The university will host a live interview with Williams’ brother, Dr. Audie Williams, at 9 a.m. on Aug. 4 in the Stockdale Room. It will air on Beach City Radio’s “Coffee Conversations with Greg Johnson” show.

CSUB students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to see the interview and participate in a Q&A with Dr. Williams afterward.

“We are thankful to Dr. Audie Williams for sharing the gift of his brother’s legacy with the world and our CSUB community,” said Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Student Services Markel Quarles. “May Art’s embodiment of integrity, excellence and strength continue to be a beacon of hope and light for generations.”

The Aug. 4 interview is part of a three-day event that Dr. Williams is involved with in recognition of the 50-year anniversary of when his brother was first hired by the MLB. The commemoration is being organized by the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach.

Dr. Williams will be participating in an exhibit, book signing and panel discussion at the center on Aug. 5 and 6.

“It is phenomenal that we have this opportunity to recognize an oft-forgotten pioneer,” said Jacqueline Quarles, program director at the center. “A lot of people aren’t aware that Williams was the first Black umpire in the National League, so it’s amazing and wonderful for us to have the opportunity to share this with the community.”

Quarles said the event is part of a broader effort to bring more awareness to the achievements of Black athletes.

“I want our young people to be proud of our heritage, to know there were worthy pioneers before us laying the foundation for growth,” she said. “It’s very important to understand that we have very strong leaders in our past who have paved the way for us to have the opportunities we have today.”

Dr. Williams is the author of “Unbelievable!: The Life Journey of Art Williams, Baseball’s First Black National League Umpire.” He had a decades-long career as an educator, mostly in the Kern High School District, and is now retired.

Dr. Williams said he is looking forward to sharing his brother’s story during the CSUB event.

“This is another opportunity to get my brother’s name out there and cement his name in history,” he said.

An ‘inspirational legacy’

The Williams brothers, along with five other siblings, first came to Bakersfield in 1943 after their parents moved them from Arkansas. Dr. Williams was only 2 years old at the time, and Art was 10.

From a young age, Dr. Williams said he and his brother were very close.

“Art was always taking care of me and looking out for me,” he said. “He was like a parent in many ways.”

Art’s first dream was to become a professional baseball player. He went on to become a pitcher for the Bakersfield Indians and in 1953 was the first Black player to be drafted to the Detroit Tigers.

Williams’ career as a player was cut short, however, after he suffered an injury to his elbow and was forced to quit. After that, he decided to give umpiring a try and eventually was hired to work for the National League in 1972 and continued through 1977.

“I was so happy and proud for Art,” Dr. Williams said. “It was such an amazing thing to be there along with him on his journey.”

After the MLB declined to renew his contract, Williams returned to Bakersfield. He died in 1979 at the age of 44 due to complications from surgery. Losing his brother at such a young age was devastating for Dr. Williams and his family.

“He had a tremendous impact on my life,” he said. “He always encouraged me to believe in myself and to work hard to achieve my dreams.”

That is one of the messages that Dr. Williams hopes attendees of the Aug. 4 event will take away from his brother’s story.

“Whatever life grants you, try and focus on your dream. It’s going to take a lot of work and preparation, but if you believe that you can do it, you can reach your goal,” he said. “Opportunity will come, just be prepared for when it arrives. There are going to be bumps in the road, but remember: when one door closes, another opens.”

While he died at a young age, CSUB Senior Associate Athletic Director Cindy Goodmon, said Williams was able to leave an enduring legacy.

“Art Williams was a trailblazer and a pioneer in Major League Baseball, and his inspirational legacy as the National League’s first African American umpire serves as an example to the Bakersfield community on the importance of diversity, equality and courage,” she said. “Mr. Williams earned his opportunity, proved his worth on the diamond and lived his dream through hard work and commitment. His influence on baseball, the city of Bakersfield and our faculty, staff and student-athletes is immeasurable.”