| Born in 1879, Charles Follis moved with his family to Wooster, Ohio, when he was very young. At Wooster high school, Follis organized the first football team and served as captain.
He played football throughout college. After entering into College of Wooster , he continued to play football. At first, he played for a local amateur team. But after graduating from the College of Wooster Charles Follis made history by signing up with the Shelby Blues and he became the first African-American professional football player in Shelby. Ohio in September 1904. Follis was severely injured during a Thanksgiving game in 1906 and was forced to retire from the game of football. Eventhough he could not play football he was determined that he would play sports. He later joined joined the Cuban Giants baseball team. The Cuban Giants were the first professional Baseball team. He played with them until 1910, when he contracted pneumonia. He was only 31 years old. |
USA