On September 3, 1924, Bill Greason was born, and in 2024, he is celebrating his 100th birthday.
Greason hasn't taken life for granted, and his mark on the world and on baseball has not been taken for granted either.
“I’m just thankful that God allowed me to be here this long,” Greason said. “I’m thankful for life: God’s been good to me, and he is good to me. Allowed me to live the age that I am and to have the activities of my life. It’s surprising to me. I never thought I’d live this long after being in two wars, baseball and traveling. It’s been a blessing.”
For the world of baseball, Greason was a trailblazer. In 1954, he signed with the Cardinals and became the first Black pitcher for the team. Prior to his time with the Cardinals, he made his professional debut with the Nashville Black Vols in 1947. A year later, he joined the Birmingham Black Barons from 1948-51.
His involvement in baseball began during his childhood, where he grew up playing games at the local sandlot. After falling in love with the game, he became serious about his pitching abilities, and perfected his game through observation and repetition.
“I was blessed to be around a few guys who played semi-pro baseball,” Greason said. “And when you observe a thing long enough, you can learn to do what others do. That’s the way it was [with] me.
In 1943, he served in the Marine Corps for the duration of World War II, putting a pause on his game. After the war was over, he thanked God for his safe return and decided to throw himself into the game. As a religious man, he knew he needed to be behind a pulpit, but that career came after his place on the baseball field.
His stint in the Majors was brief due to the heavy impact of racial segregation that plagued the league, but Greason would not give up there. He wanted to stand as an example for anyone with a dream, no matter what their circumstances may be. This led him to finish off his career in the Minor leagues, as well as a professional bout in Puerto Rico.
Greason retired from baseball in 1959 and has lived in Birmingham, Alabama ever since. He leaned into his calling as a minister and gave himself fully to God after that, serving as the pastor at Bethel Baptist Church since 1971.
A truly remarkable career was topped off in June 2024 when Greason threw the ceremonial first pitch at Rickwood Field for the Giants v. Cardinals game.
Greason's life has been full of positive and negative experiences, and despite all that he went through with the league in the past, his example and dedication lives on, just like him.
Happy 100th Birthday to the legend, Reverend Bill "Booster" Greason!
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