First Black Padres Player's Ancestry Traced to Pioneering La Jolla Landowners

Genealogy research reveals Johnny Ritchey's family were among the first Black landowners in La Jolla in 1892, tracing the Padres legend's deep San Diego roots.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Genealogist Yvette Porter Moore's research has uncovered the remarkable ancestry of Johnny Ritchey, the first Black man to play for the San Diego Padres. The discovery traces Ritchey's family lineage back to his great-great-grandparents, Thomas Debose and Christina Moss, who were born into slavery in Virginia in the 1840s but later became free and settled in La Jolla in 1892, becoming one of the first Black families to own land in the area.

Why it matters

This story highlights the deep historical roots of San Diego's Black community and the barriers they overcame to become landowners and establish themselves in the region. It also sheds light on the life of Johnny Ritchey, a pioneering figure in Padres history who broke racial barriers, and the importance of uncovering and preserving the stories of underrepresented groups.

The details

Thomas Debose was listed in the 1860 census records, indicating he was free. Records show he was an 11-year-old indentured servant to Thomas Warren in 1866, with an agreement that he would be taught to read, write, and learn farming. Upon completion, he would receive $50 and a 'freedom suit.' Thomas and Christina later settled in San Diego County in 1892, where Thomas bought at least eight lots in La Jolla and operated horse stables on the property where the Bishop's School now stands, becoming one of the first Black families to own land in the area.

  • Thomas Debose was born into slavery in Virginia in the 1840s.
  • In 1860, Thomas Debose was listed in census records, indicating he was free.
  • In 1866, Thomas Debose was an 11-year-old indentured servant in Virginia.
  • Thomas and Christina Debose settled in San Diego County in 1892.
  • Thomas Debose bought at least eight lots in La Jolla in 1892.

The players

Johnny Ritchey

The first Black man to play for the San Diego Padres.

Thomas Debose

Johnny Ritchey's great-great-grandfather, who was born into slavery in Virginia in the 1840s but later became free and settled in La Jolla in 1892, becoming one of the first Black landowners in the area.

Christina Moss

Johnny Ritchey's great-great-grandmother, who was born into slavery in Virginia in the 1840s and later settled in La Jolla with her husband Thomas Debose.

Yvette Porter Moore

A genealogist who conducted research to uncover Johnny Ritchey's family history and ancestry.

Ed Fletcher

Johnny Ritchey's second cousin.

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What they’re saying

“I was just proud of that, since he owned the property first.”

— Antonette Gordon, Johnny Ritchey's third cousin (10news.com)

“I can remember his just being amazed that he was so held in such awe.”

— Ed Fletcher, Johnny Ritchey's second cousin (10news.com)

“They would be proud, my dad and all the others to know that because of modern technology, we're able to go back in history and find out who we really are.”

— Johnna Ritchey-Battle, Johnny Ritchey's daughter (10news.com)

What’s next

The family plans to preserve this history in a book for future generations. The genealogist says the next steps include DNA testing and traveling to Virginia to retrieve documents that can only be obtained in person.

The takeaway

This story highlights the resilience and determination of San Diego's Black community, tracing the journey of one pioneering family from slavery to land ownership and their lasting impact on the city's history. It serves as an inspiring example of the power of uncovering and preserving untold stories, and the importance of understanding one's roots.