Cyril Byron facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cyril Byron |
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| Catcher | |
| Born: April 15, 1920 New York, New York |
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| Died: October 20, 2015 (aged 95) Fort Washington, Maryland |
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| debut | |
| 1946, for the Baltimore Elite Giants | |
| Last appearance | |
| 1946, for the Baltimore Elite Giants | |
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Cyril Osbourne Byron Sr. (born April 15, 1920 – died October 20, 2015) was an amazing American athlete and hero. He played as a catcher in the Negro leagues. He was also a brave member of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II.
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Cyril Byron's Early Life and Education
Cyril Byron was born in New York, New York. His parents had moved there from Jamaica. He finished high school at Morris High School in 1939.
After high school, he became a talented quarterback at Morgan State College. He was known for his skills on the football field.
Serving His Country: The Tuskegee Airmen
In 1941, Cyril Byron joined the Tuskegee Airmen. This was a special group of African-American military pilots. They fought bravely during World War II.
Byron served in important battles in North Africa and Sicily. He was part of a group that broke barriers. They showed great courage and skill in the air.
Baseball Career and College Life
After the war ended, Byron returned to his love for sports. In 1946, he played baseball for the Baltimore Elite Giants. This team was part of the Negro leagues. These leagues were important for African-American players at a time when major league baseball was segregated.
He continued his education at Morgan State. In 1947, he earned a degree in chemistry. He was a true student-athlete.
A Career in Education
Cyril Byron loved learning and teaching. He earned a master's degree in education from New York University in 1952. Later, he earned a doctorate from Temple University in 1974.
He had a long and successful career as a professor. He also worked as a coach and administrator. He taught at Fort Valley State College, Coppin State College, and Baltimore City Community College. He retired in 1991 after many years of helping students.
Awards and Recognition
Cyril Byron received many honors for his achievements. He was inducted into the Morgan State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1973. He also joined the Baltimore Community College Hall of Fame in 2011. In 2012, he was honored by the Coppin State University Hall of Fame.
In 2007, he and other Tuskegee Airmen received the Congressional Gold Medal. This is one of the highest awards a civilian can get in the United States. President George W. Bush presented this award. Byron was even invited by Barack Obama to attend both of his presidential inauguration ceremonies.
Cyril Byron passed away in Fort Washington, Maryland in 2015. He was 95 years old. He left behind a legacy as a brave airman, a talented athlete, and a dedicated educator.
