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The Phillies Honor John Irvin Kennedy

Sixty-five years after he made history as the Phillies’ first African American player, the team honored the life of John Irvin Kennedy on Wednesday night at Citizens Bank Park. It was the Phillies’ first public celebration of Kennedy, who played in only five games with two at-bats in 1957 before the team sent him down to the minors and released him in 1960.

Sixty-five years after his debut, John Irvin Kennedy is being honored by the Phillies for being their first African American player. Tazena Kennedy, John's daughter, wipes away tears as his jersey was unveiled. His family -- his daughter and her three daughters and grandkids -- will be in town and hosted by the Phillieson June 29, 2022.
Sixty-five years after his debut, John Irvin Kennedy is being honored by the Phillies for being their first African American player. Tazena Kennedy, John's daughter, wipes away tears as his jersey was unveiled. His family -- his daughter and her three daughters and grandkids -- will be in town and hosted by the Phillieson June 29, 2022.Read moreCHARLES FOX / Staff Photographer
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