SHELBY — It’s been 118 years since Charles Follis first came to Shelby. Now, everyone in town will know his name.
Follis, the first Black professional football player in America, began his career with the Shelby Blues in 1902. His name was secured in the town’s history once again Friday, when town officials unveiled the newly-renamed Charles Follis Way. Charles Follis Way, formerly known as Central Avenue, is located off of S. Gamble St. near the Black Fork Commons and W.W. Skiles Field.
“By honoring Follis, Shelby is joining efforts around the nation to reject the racism that was common throughout our history,” said Jim Stoner, a Shelby native who authored a biographical play on Follis.
Shelby City Council passed legislation to the rename the street with a unanimous vote on June 12.
Mayor Steven Schag said it was “yet another step on the path to healing ills of the past.”
Follis’ football career began when he founded his high school football team in Wooster. As captain, he led an undefeated squad in 1898 and 1899. After graduating high school, he was recruited by Frank Schiffer, a Shelby businessman who offered him a contract for $10 a game from 1902 to 1906.
While living in Shelby, Follis befriended teammate Branch Rickey, who went on to become the owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers and famously signed Jackie Robinson, the first Black player in Major League Baseball.
After the 1906 season, Follis went on to a brief but successful career as a professional baseball player before his death in 1910. He died of pneumonia at age 31.
Today, many see Follis and Robinson’s stories as linked, with Follis paving the way for Robinson.
“I believe that Branch Rickey needed a Charles Follis. He needed the influence of a young black man to give him the courage and the daring to break that barrier against all odds, and hire a young black man that reminded him of Charles Follis,” Shag said.
At Friday’s ceremony, Schag praised Follis as a man whose mark on the world transcended football.
“He has left a legacy for the ages, not merely as a football player but as a man of character and class,” Schag said.
Follis’ speed and skill as a running back earned him the nickname “The Black Cyclone.” Off the field, he faced racial injustice and prejudice with strength and dignity.
Schag said that the “way” in Charles Follis Way is symbolic of more than a street or avenue — it’s a nod to Follis’ character.
“The ‘Way’ means a method or a manner of doing something. And we’re here today to honor the Charles Follis Way — the way he modeled faith and fortitude. The way he handled the pressure and pain of racially charged indignities that came his way, the way he played with professionalism and passion. The way he showed poise and class on and off the field,” Schag said.
Janice Warner, president and CEO of Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron and Richland Counties, described the event as a small sign of hope and solidarity amid the division and racial tension in the nation at large.
Follis’ niece Sandra Smith agreed.
“Jehovah has not taken his eyes off of us. He’s also shown us there is a way that can come together as a people,” said Smith, who attended the unveiling ceremony with her daughter, Dawn. “I truly appreciate your time, your effort, your love and your concern.”
