The Historic Midland Cemetery

Herbert "Rap" Dixon


Herbert "Rap" Dixon, one of the greatest outfielders ever to play baseball, played locally with the Harrisburg Giants of the Eastern Colored League in the years 1924-1927.  During that time, playing alongside Clarence "Fats" Jenkins and Baseball Hall of Fame player Oscar Charleston, This was one of the greatest outfields ever fielded. His lifetime batting average was .315 with 16 homeruns, 27 steals and 125 runs scored for every 150 games played.  In a career that spanned 16 seasons, he was named an all-star five times.  In 1927-1928 he toured Japan on an all-star team selected by Hall of Famer Raleigh "Biz" Mackey. In 1929 Dixon cracked a still-standing record of 14 consecutive hits against the Homestead Grays. On July 6, 1930 he became the first African American to hit a homerun in Yankee Stadium. Dixon appeared in the very first East-West Classic game in 1933 and stole the first base. In 1934 he inked future Hall of Famer Leon Day to his first professional contract. For all of his 42 years he was a Christian, a strong family man and an example for all.
 

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OBITUARY


Former Baseball Player Here, Rap Dixon, Dies

Funeral services for Herbert A. “Rap” Dixon, of 133 Adams Street, Steelton, former centerfielder for the old Harrisburg Giants Negro baseball team, who died on Thursday at Detroit, Mich., will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the George F. Hooper Funeral Home, Second and Adams Streets, Steelton, with the Rev. E.L. Green, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Steelton, officiating. Burial will be in Midland Cemetery.

He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Dixon, and one sister, Mrs. Rachel Ransom, of Steelton; two brothers, Paul, of Steelton and John, United States Army officers Training School, Wyoming; one uncle, the Rev. James F. Goodwin, Steelton, and two aunts, Mrs. May Rolan and Mrs. Sally Johnson, both of Harrisburg.

Friends may call at the funeral home tomorrow evening from 7 to 9 o’clock.

Picture taken when Midland Cemetery rebuild headstone of Rap Dixon.