Harry ‘Bucky’ Lew Paved the Way as Basketball’s First Black Pro, Defying 1900s Opposition

Basketball’s First Black Professional Player Took the Court in 1902

Harry “Bucky” Lew changed professional basketball forever. In 1902, he signed a contract with a team in Lowell, Massachusetts. This made him the first Black professional basketball player in history.

Lew didn’t stop there. Over the next 25 years, he wore many hats in the game. He served as a player, coach, manager, referee, and even franchise owner. His long career proved that talent and leadership could not be held back by racism.

Natick’s Team Refused to Play Against Lew in 1904

In 1904, Lew faced one of his toughest challenges. A team representing Natick in the New England League refused to play against him. The game was supposed to happen in Haverhill, where Lew’s team was scheduled to play.

Instead of forcing a standoff, Lew made a difficult choice. He stayed on the bench so the game could continue. This wasn’t the first time he faced discrimination, but his calm and firm stance showed his strength of character.

The League Stood by Integration Despite Protests

It’s important to note the Natick team wasn’t made up of locals. Led by early basketball star Harry Hough, the team was a group of traveling players. They had played in other leagues before moving to Natick for that season.

Hough got his way that night, but the league quickly stepped in. After an emergency meeting, league officials made it clear they would not ban Black players. Hough’s team was fined and warned they would be expelled if they ever refused to play Lew again.

Lew’s Courage Helped Shape Sports Integration

Though it took years for integrated sports to become normal, Lew’s courage left a lasting impact. The backlash against Hough’s team showed that many fans quietly supported Lew’s right to play.

Even after his basketball days, Lew’s reputation carried weight. In the 1920s, a young Nashua newspaper editor named Fred Dobens often watched Lew’s games. Decades later, Dobens would help the Brooklyn Dodgers find a home for their first integrated baseball farm team.

Lew’s Legacy Reaches Beyond Basketball

Harry Lew’s career did more than open doors for Black basketball players. His life helped pave the way for integration in other sports. The success of the Dodgers’ integrated teams eventually spread across major league sports.

When Lew passed away in October 1963, his community remembered him with warmth and pride. Dobens once wrote, “Bucky was a Negro and… a great favorite.” Lew’s legacy as a trailblazer, leader, and admired athlete continues today.

New Book and Community Event Will Celebrate His Story

Author Chris Boucher, also from Lowell, has written two books about Bucky Lew. His latest book will be released this fall by McFarland Publishers. Boucher will discuss Lew’s story at Natick’s Juneteenth event later this month.

Lew’s impact lives on, reminding people that courage and kindness can outlast prejudice. His example shaped sports history and inspired a future of inclusion.