Andrew (Rube) Foster
Historical marker location:(September 17, 1879 – December 9, 1930)
Calvert native Rube Foster was a pioneer player, manager and executive in baseball’s Negro Leagues. The son of Rev. Andrew and Evaline Foster, he finished eighth grade in Calvert and pitched for the Waco Yellow Jackets and Fort Worth Colts from 1897 to 1902. Renowned for his fastball and screwball, he became a dominant pitcher on Midwest and Northeast championship teams, first with Frank Leland’s Chicago Union Giants and later on teams in Philadelphia, New York City, and Otsego, Michigan. Records show that he won more than fifty games in 1903 with the Cuban X Giants and in 1905 with the Philadelphia Giants. Foster wrote “How to Pitch” in Sol White’s Official Base Ball Guide: History of Colored Base Ball in 1907. His nickname “Rube” came from a great White pitcher of the day, G. E. “Rube” Waddell, whom Foster beat in an exhibition game. Foster became playing manager of the Leland Giants in 1907. Under his leadership, the team won 48 straight games and finished with a 110-10 record. His teams were known for successful bunting, base stealing, and hit and runs. In 1910, Foster organized his own team of all-stars and compiled a 128-6 record. His Chicago American Giants were a dynasty, winning eleven championships from 1911-22.
In 1920, Foster and owners of seven other clubs met in Kansas City, Missouri to form the first successful African-American professional baseball circuit; Foster was elected president. His American Giants won the Negro National League’s first three pennants. In 1926, Foster was admitted to Kankakee State Hospital in Illinois, where he stayed for four years before his death. Thousands of mourners attended his funeral in Chicago. Foster, the “Father of Black Baseball,” was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981.
(2008)
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
Texas is known for its love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
In the early 1870s, ranchers began to settle in what is now Roberts County. The region's vast grasslands provided ample grazing opportunities for cattle, attracting ranchers from across Texas. The county was officially established in 1876, named after John S. Roberts, a significant figure in the movement for Texas statehood.
Throughout the late 19th century, cattle ranching dominated the local economy, and the population grew steadily. In the 1880s, the establishment of railroads in the region further facilitated the increase in trade and transportation of cattle, allowing for better access to markets outside the county. This growth continued into the 20th century, with the development of better irrigation techniques and the expansion of farming activities.
However, like many rural areas, Roberts County faced challenges during the Great Depression. The Dust Bowl of the 1930s devastated agricultural practices in the region, causing massive crop failures and forcing many residents to abandon their farms. The federal government's New Deal programs aimed to provide relief and recovery for farmers in the area, leading to the implementation of soil conservation measures and the construction of dams and reservoirs.
Since then, Roberts County has experienced periods of economic growth and decline. Today, the county's economy is still primarily based on agriculture, with cattle ranching, farming, and wind energy production being major industries. The county's rich history and dynamic present make it an interesting and important part of Texas' heritage.
Roberts County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Roberts County, Texas.
- 1876: Roberts County is officially established by the Texas legislature.
- Late 1870s: Buffalo hunters begin to populate the area.
- 1882: The first post office, "Roberts", is established.
- 1890: The county population is recorded at 565 residents.
- Early 1900s: Farmers and ranchers settle in the area, establishing the agricultural economy.
- 1933: The Dust Bowl hits Roberts County, causing severe soil erosion and economic hardships.
- 1950s: Oil and gas exploration begins, leading to increased economic activity in the county.
- 1980: The county reaches its peak population of around 1,400 residents.
- 1990s: Population decline begins as job opportunities decrease.
- Present: Roberts County continues to be a rural community with a focus on agriculture and energy industries.