Arthur “Buttons” Speakes, an Old Dominion University (ODU) Sports Hall of Famer, will forever be remembered for his role in breaking down barriers for Black athletes. As the first Black scholarship athlete at a predominantly white institution in Virginia, Speakes not only excelled in basketball and baseball but also paved the way for other Black athletes in higher education. His achievements extend beyond his athletic career, as his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
The Path to Old Dominion: A Historic Milestone
In 1965, Speakes made history when he became Old Dominion College’s first Black scholarship athlete. At the time, this was a significant step toward diversifying the university’s athletic programs. Speakes, who had grown up in Huntington, West Virginia, met Jackie Robinson during a visit to his town, an encounter that would leave a lasting impact on him. Robinson, who integrated Major League Baseball in 1947, inspired Speakes to push through the barriers that faced him in his journey as an athlete.
Speakes arrived in Norfolk as a freshman, eager to play basketball. During his three years at ODU, he amassed 1,005 career points, ranking among the university’s top 50 career scorers despite missing out on his freshman year due to NCAA eligibility rules at the time. His leadership on the court helped the team set a school record for scoring, with the Monarchs averaging 98.2 points per game during the 1967-68 season.
A Multi-Sport Athlete: Dominating Both Basketball and Baseball
In addition to his basketball accomplishments, Speakes was also a talented baseball player. He played for ODU’s baseball team and boasted an impressive batting average of .330 during his senior year. His skills on both the basketball court and baseball diamond set him apart as a versatile athlete, one who proved that Black athletes could succeed at the highest levels in multiple sports.
Though Speakes was often compared to Jackie Robinson due to his pioneering role, he humbly rejected the comparison. He was focused on his goals of playing sports and earning an education, not on the weight of symbolism his position carried. “I just came to Old Dominion to play ball and get my education,” Speakes said in an interview in April 2023.
A Life Beyond Sports: Coaching, Teaching, and Mentorship
After graduating from Old Dominion, Speakes continued to contribute to his community in various ways. He briefly coached football at Norfolk Catholic School before moving back to Huntington, then Toledo, Ohio, where he coached and taught. Speakes’ passion for mentoring and coaching young athletes was evident throughout his career, as he worked to shape the next generation of talent both in sports and life.
Later, Speakes transitioned into the business world, where he worked in medical equipment sales for over two decades. He also had a career in finance with CarMax, where he spent several years making a name for himself outside of sports.
A Lasting Legacy: Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Future Athletes
Speakes passed away on November 15, 2023, at the age of 76. Despite his passing, his legacy continues to live on at Old Dominion University, where his groundbreaking role as the first Black scholarship athlete helped pave the way for future generations of Black athletes. His perseverance and determination in the face of adversity left a profound impact on the school and its athletic department.
“Arthur ‘Buttons’ Speakes exhibited the kind of tenacity and perseverance that will leave a lasting impact on ODU athletics,” said Wood Selig, ODU’s director of athletics. The university went on to break additional barriers by awarding the first scholarships to female athletes in Virginia in 1974, further building on Speakes’ trailblazing efforts.
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