1997 BBWAA Career Excellence Award Winner Sam Lacy

Sam Lacy was recognized as a pioneer in baseball journalism in becoming one of the first African-American members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

Lacy's career in print journalism began in the 1920s, working as a sports writer at the Washington Tribune under the tutelage of editor Lewis Lautier.

He was both managing editor and sports editor of the paper from 1934-39, before moving to Chicago to become assistant national editor for the Chicago Defender from 1940-1943.

He then returned to his roots in Baltimore to become a columnist and sports editor for the weekly Baltimore Afro-American, where he remained for well over half a century.

He authored the widely popular column "A to Z" for many years.

His illustrious career as a sports journalist spanned 17 presidential elections.

But it was as a crusader in the 1930s and 1940s, when Lacy's columns were devoted to desegregating baseball in the major leagues, that he made his greatest impact as a journalist.

Lacy passed away on May 8, 2003.

More BBWAA Career Excellence Award Winners

1996 BBWAA Career Excellence Award Winner Charley Feeney

BBWAA Career Excellence Award

For meritorious contributions to baseball writing.

1998 BBWAA Career Excellence Award Winner Bob Stevens

1996 BBWAA Career Excellence Award Winner Charley Feeney

BBWAA Career Excellence Award

For meritorious contributions to baseball writing.

1998 BBWAA Career Excellence Award Winner Bob Stevens

Hall of Fame Awards

Hall of Fame Awards

Frick (broadcasters), BBWAA Career Excellence (writers) and O'Neil (lifetime achievement)

Ford C. Frick Award

For broadcasters' contributions to baseball.

Buck O'Neil Award

For lifetime achievement.

Hall of Fame Awards

Frick (broadcasters), BBWAA Career Excellence (writers) and O'Neil (lifetime achievement)

Ford C. Frick Award

For broadcasters' contributions to baseball.

Buck O'Neil Award

For lifetime achievement.