Ralph Goldston had no idea he was a pioneer when he reported to the Eagles training camp in 1952. He was only concerned with one thing and that was making the team. He didnt realize he made history just by walking through the door.
Goldston, who died July 9 at age 82, and fellow rookie Don Stevens were the first African-Americans to wear an Eagles uniform. Goldston was an 11th-round draft pick, a halfback from Youngstown State. Stevens, also a halfback, was a 30th-round pick from Illinois.
I didnt know about any color line, Goldston said in 2005 interview. I didnt find out that I was the first (black player) until I was there for awhile. It wasnt a big deal. Don and I were treated the same as the other rookies.
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In 1952, the Eagles were coming off two poor seasons and Steve Van Buren, their great halfback, was at the end of his career. The team was looking for speed in the backfield so it drafted both Goldston and Stevens.
Actually, the Eagles first draft pick that year was Johnny Bright, an African-American halfback from Drake, but Bright signed with Calgary in the Canadian Football League. He later said he went to the CFL because he did not want to be the first black player on the Eagles. He thought there would be too much pressure.
Goldston, a native of Campbell, Ohio, had no such fears.
I didnt know the history, he said. I felt if the Eagles drafted me, there wasnt a problem. Other (black) players were doing well in pro football. What (Bright) was thinking, I cant say. I was just grateful for the opportunity. It worked out well for me.
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In Philadelphia, Goldston lived with a minister and his wife at 24th and Montgomery in North Philadelphia. He walked to and from practice at Shibe Park, 21st and Lehigh. As a rookie, he cracked the starting lineup and led the team with three rushing touchdowns. He also saw action on defense.
Hugh Brown of the Philadelphia Bulletin described the 5-11, 195-pound Golston as a powerful and shifty runner (who is) in the opinion of many, the best all-around back in camp.
Reporters covering the team made occasional references to race, such as a Philadelphia Inquirer story on Goldston that predicted a great year for the hard-hitting Negro. But there was no mention of the fact that Goldston and Stevens were the first black players in the teams 20-year history.
The way we fit in, I guess no one thought twice about it, Goldston said.
According to Goldston, it was only an issue when the team traveled. In several cities, he said, he and Stevens were forced to stay in a different hotel. He said the arrangement had its advantages. All it meant, he said, was Don and I didnt have a curfew.
A broken leg suffered in the 1953 exhibition season sidelined Goldston for the entire year. He came back the next season and was switched to defense where he played two more years. In 1956, he signed with Hamilton in the Canadian Football League. He played 10 seasons in the CFL and helped Hamilton win two Grey Cups (1957 and 63).
After retiring as an active player, Goldston spent 30 years as a college coach (Harvard and Colorado) and finally a scout for the Seattle Seahawks.
He will be buried Saturday in Youngstown. He is survived by his wife, Sarah, one son, Ralph, Jr., three daughters, Ursula, Beverly and Monique and five grandchildren.
E-mail Ray Didinger at viewfromthehall@comcast.net