Joe Hines has had a lot of firsts.

And he was happy to share them with a full house during a presentation Feb. 10 in the Gallery Space of Monroeville Public Library.

He was the first Black student council president at Plainfield High School in New Jersey. The school would invite incoming freshmen to the building a day early to show the students around and make them feel comfortable.

A photo was taken of Hines, a senior, with four incoming freshmen and the school’s principal. The photo made the newspaper; it was Sept. 4, 1957.

The same day in Little Rock, the Arkansas National Guard — under the orders of Gov. Orval Faubus — prevented nine students from entering Little Rock Central High School. Known as the Little Rock Nine, the students, who were selected to begin the integration process due to their excellent grades and attendance, eventually were able to attend school on Sept. 23 after President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued an executive order.

Six decades later, Hines, who now resides in Monroeville, had the pleasure of meeting Carlotta Walls LaNier, the youngest of the Little Rock Nine. In 2018, Hines traveled to Mercyhurst University to hear her speak.

A timeline in Hines’ yearbook noted the Little Rock Nine as one of the major events of the year. Hines asked Walls LaNier to sign his yearbook in that very spot.

Hines attended Bucknell University before “flunking out.” He eventually transferred to Lincoln University, which is the country’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University.

In 1964, Hines accepted a job with Mellon Bank and relocated to the Pittsburgh area. Later, Hines went into the management program — he was the first African American to do so at Mellon Bank. Hines was employed there for 26 years before doing an about-face and changing careers at 49.

“We had two kids still living at home,” Hines said. “Let’s just say my wife wasn’t thrilled about my decision.”

It was a wise choice for Hines, who ended up teaching at Woodland Hills for 15 years until his retirement. In the summers, Hines would contact every one of his students, at least once, just to check in.

On Feb. 10, Hines had another first when he gave a talk at the library.

“There’s glory in your story,” said Hines, reading from a birthday card that he’d long ago received.

And what a story it was. Hines offered anecdotes on several aspects on his life — from work to education and, maybe most of all, sports.

A self-proclaimed “Brooklyn Dodgers baseball fanatic,” Hines shared his love of the game and his favorite team. The audience had the pleasure of viewing Hines’ guest appearance on YouTube’s “Dodger Baseball Chronicles,” hosted by Peter Trunk.

“Sixty years away from there, and I’m still a Dodgers fanatic,” Hines said on the show.

Hines shared memorabilia from his childhood, such as autographed baseballs, books and even a birthday card from Jackie Robinson to Hines’ mother, who shared birthdays on Jan. 31. Robison had a first of his own, as the first African American to play in Major League Baseball.

Throughout the years, the baseball legend and Hines exchanged well wishes, many times via penny postcards.

Hines also got to know another baseball great, Joe Black, whose parents were acquainted. Black was a pitcher in the Negro leagues and later for Major League Baseball. He played for the Baltimore Elite Giants, Cincinnati Redlegs, Washington Senators and, of course, the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Black became the first American American pitcher to win a World Series game in 1952.

“I can remember when I was 11, (Black) would invite us over after the games to his home on Decatur Street,” Hines said.

One of the most outstanding aspects of Hines’ presentation was his uncanny ability to recall dates, many from childhood. Like the day he met his wife of 57 years, Ruth.

Our first date was Nov. 11, 1968. It was a blind date,” Hines said, adding that mutual friends had set them up. “I thought I was going to watch O.J. Simpson’s last game. Ruthie thought she was invited to meet the man of her dreams.”

Less than a year later, the couple were married. Ruth and Joe have two adult children, Brian and Kara.

Among the library’s audience were Hines’ old friends and colleagues, as well as few out-of-towners who watched virtually. When asked about the meaning of relationships, Hines was thoughtful in his answer.

“I credit my faith. I have to give credit to my love of Jesus,” Hines said. “Relationships are key and, without them, we really can’t go on.”

Copyright ©2026— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)