September 7, 2004

Bob “The Rope” Boyd Obituary

Passes away, Sept. 7, 2004

Robert Richard "Bobby" Boyd, 84, retired city of Wichita MTA bus driver, former professional baseball player, died Sept. 7, 2004. Service 1 p.m. Saturday, New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, 158 N. Madison. Survivors, Wife, Valca Boyd of the home; daughter, Deborah (Arbery) James; granddaughter, Kimberly (McKinley) Knox; grandsons, Bryan James, Patrick James; great granddaughter, Amber Knox; great grandson, Jordan Knox; great-granddaughter, MaKayla Knox, all of Wichita. Jackson Mortuary. Published in the Wichita Eagle on 9/9/2004.

Nicknamed "Rope" for his line-drive hitting, began his career with the Memphis Red Sox where he batted .352 , .369 and .371, from 47' thru 49'.

In 1950 he was signed by the Chicago White Sox and became the first black player to sign with them.Boyd was the first Oriole regular to bat over .300 with .318 in 1957 and .309 the next year.

Sept. 2000 photo of Mr. Boyd (below) courtesy of Jim Sanders and