D. Joe Williams†
Williams, D. Joe†
Inducted 2003
Hometown: Dobbin, Texas
High School: Booker T. Washington High School
College: Pan American College
Best Known for: Athlete – Baseball
March 4, 1936-December 15, 2013
In an area famous for its trailblazers, Williams’ case stands out as a unique one.
Williams was the first Black to participate in integrated college sports in the state of Texas, breaking the color barrier as a speedy center fielder for the Pan American College in 1954.
The graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in McAllen hit .262 to help the Broncs to the Big State Conference title that year and also doubled as a conference track champ in the 880 and mile runs.
Moving to El Paso after college, Williams coached Fabens High to three district titles in five years and was an outstanding fast-pitch softball player in the 1950s. He continued playing and coaching until 1980, ending with a successful mound stint with the Old Timers League in 1979. Williams is a member of the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame.