442: Bobby Balcena was the first Asian American in Major League Baseball

In the grand slam of baseball history, Bobby Balcena (1925-90) stepped up to the plate in an era when opportunities were scarce. Though his time as the first Asian American, and first person of Filipino descent, in Major League Baseball (MLB) was brief, it was undeniably significant.

Robert Rudolph Balcena was born on Aug. 1, 1925, in San Pedro, California. His parents, Fred and Lazara Balcena, came to the United States from the Philippines before the first World War. Lazara had been married to an American named Henry Mower Rice Rodman before Rodman died in 1918. Before he passed, the couple had three daughters, Martha, Matilda, and Juliana. After Rodman’s death, Lazara and Fred met and then married in 1919. They had three more children, Fred Jr., Florence, and Bobby.

Their blended family resided in San Pedro, in a predominately Slovakian neighborhood. Bobby Balcena’s friends played baseball and other sports where he learned the language and was declared an “honorary Slav.” At San Pedro High School, he excelled at baseball, football and ran track. During his senior year, and just before his 18th birthday, Balcena enrolled in the U.S. Navy. He served in the Pacific Ocean theater of World War II as an aviation machinist and was discharged from his military service in 1946.

Once he was back in San Pedro, Balcena played semi-professional baseball with an all-Slavakian team. He was scouted by a man nicknamed “Red,” who watched him hit a home run to win a sandlot game and offered Balcena a minor league contract, in which he later became a star for the next 15 years, from 1948-63. Balcena was a sports hero among Filipino communities across the nation and in the Philippines. 

In 1948, Balcena broke into professional baseball with the Mexicali Eagles in the old Sunset League, playing centerfield. He usually batted in the leadoff slot, leading the league with a .369 average.

His height over his baseball career was a topic of controversy, being recorded anywhere from 5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 8 inches—below average for most baseball players, especially those in the MLB. In 1949, he returned for another season and led the league in both runs batted in and total bases. 

After a solid season in San Antonio and continued success in the minors during his two seasons with Mexicali Pacific Coast League, Balcena caught the attention of major league scouts. His impressive performance, in which he led the league in batting and continued to refine his skills, led to the St. Louis Browns purchasing his contract. His professional baseball career then took him to the Wichita Indians in the Western League, where he hit .290 with 11 home runs. Though still not considered major league material, the Browns sent him to spring training in 1951 with the San Antonio Missions. There, he showcased his power by hitting two home runs in one inning during a game against Houston, earning the nickname “Wee Walloper.” Despite a solid start, a finger injury lowered his batting average to .272.

In 1952, Balcena was moved to the Toronto Maple Leafs, but was soon demoted after struggling. There was superstition surrounding his demotion: he had worn the number 1 for Toronto, a number thought to be unlucky because its previous owner, Johnny Ostrowski, also had a poor season. After switching numbers, the pitcher who inherited the number began winning games. After returning to San Antonio, Balcena suffered a personal tragedy after his sister’s death, leading to a career-low .252 average. Nonetheless, the Browns invited him to spring training in 1953 and he impressed them with his efforts.

By the summer of 1953, Balcena was struggling with a slump, hitting three times in 22 at-bats. He took this opportunity to make adjustments to his batting stance and hit safely in 15 straight games after being put back in the lineup. 

Balcena’s winter performances in Mexico further cemented his standing as a promising player. He spent time with the Mexicali team in the Mexican Pacific Coast League, where he led the league in batting and reached a high of .343 in December, finishing with a .300 average for the season and earned a reputation as a great outfielder. This success earned him a contract with the St. Louis Browns, who sent him to spring training again, this time impressing with his preparation and form.

In 1956, Balcena’s big break came when he was called up to the Cincinnati Reds in September, after playing with the Seattle Rainiers in the Pacific Coast League. He debuted on Sept. 16, 1956, as an outfielder and appeared in seven games that season, but his time in the majors was short-lived. He returned to the Rainiers the following spring.

Despite his brief MLB tenure, Balcena was beloved by fans in his hometown of San Pedro. In a touching tribute, local fishermen and longshoremen organized a “Bobby Balcena Night” at Wrigley Field, where he was honored during a game he played in. This event highlighted his deep connection to the community, where he worked as a fisherman and longshoreman when not playing baseball.

Balcena’s hustle, dedication, and impact on those around him left an indelible mark on baseball and his hometown. On Jan. 4, 1990, Balcena sat in front of his favorite chair watching TV and quietly died of natural causes at the age of 64.