Strat-O-Matic Negro League All

Transcription

22332 Negro League AllStar Guidebook:Layout 1
6/3/09
5:22 PM
Page 2
Strat-O-Matic
Negro League
All-Stars
Guide Book
By Scott Simkus
Acknowledgements
Above and beyond everybody else, I want to thank Hal Richman for green lighting the
Strat-O-Matic Negro League project. Not only has he provided encouragement, he’s also “gently
pushed” me to dig deeper into the numbers in order to uncover the once-elusive information
needed for creating a great Strat-O-Matic card set and computer product. Throughout this entire
process, he’s been an extremely active collaborator, working with me to unlock the mysteries of
translating Negro League performances into a Major League context. It’s been a fun (okay,
sometimes “grueling”) process, several years in the making, but I’m glad Hal was along for the
final leg of the journey.
To Steve Barkan, Glenn Guzzo and everybody else inside (and on the periphery) of Glen Head,
who helped with the programming, design and promotion of the Negro League set. All of us have
had our normal daily routines ripped apart a little bit in order to get this thing done in a timely
fashion. Thanks for all your hard work.
Next, to my old friends John Paraoan, Big Al Kosek and Guy Snell (wherever you are); who spent
countless hours in my basement rolling dice together. We burned cards, ripped them, threw dice,
cheated, lied, skipped school and fought over Strat-O-Matic. I’ll never forget those days.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention George Brett, Steve Carlton, Orlando Cepeda, Woodie Held,
Frank Lary, Mickey Mantle, Early Wynn, Hack Wilson, Al Simmons, Johnny Bench, George
Altman, Gabby Hartnett, Joe Charboneau, Joe Adcock, Dazzy Vance, Lefty Grove, Don Money,
Rickey Henderson, Harmon Killebrew and Luis Arroyo. No, not the actual people…the Strat
cards. These are some of the cardboard legends (famous and infamous) from my past.
And finally, to my lovely wife Joyce and two children (Joe and Libby); thank you, thank you, thank
you!!!! Without some of the sacrifices you made over the past year, this project would have never
been completed. Thank you!
Scott Simkus
July 1, 2009
“Certainly some of these colored players are deserving of a little notice, from the standpoint of their ability
to play the American national game. (Dick) Lundy…could vie with any shortstop in the major leagues,
(Biz) Mackey, catcher, (Oscar) Charleston, center fielder, (Oliver) Marcelle, third baseman and (Frank)
Warfield, second baseman are only a few among a number of others who are first class ball players.”
The Sporting News, December 11, 1924
THE NEGRO LEAGUES
A Quick Tour of a Most Peculiar Baseball Institution
By Scott Simkus
Instead of beginning with the folklore, the colorful (but increasingly stale) tall tales about Satchel
Paige, Josh Gibson and Cool Papa Bell; I figured I’d start with the cold, hard realities of financing in the
Negro Leagues. More specifically, how the woefully under funded world of black professional baseball
(and poverty’s impact on the structure of black teams, leagues and playing style), influenced the research
and evaluation of players for the STRAT-O-MATIC Negro League set.
As interesting as it is to discover Cool Papa Bell “was so fast, he could flip the switch and get into
his hotel bed before the lights went out,” it’s important to understand why he was in the hotel room in the
first place. Obviously, he wasn’t bouncing around the country on coal-choked rails and dusty country
roads because of the excessive comfort level. Like his white contemporaries, Cool Papa loved the game
deeply- and like the white big leaguers- endured the rigors of non-stop travel because playing the game
happened to be his most marketable skill. He was simply trying to scratch out a buck or two.
Black entrepreneurs who owned the teams (plus J.L. Wilkinson, a white businessman who
operated the Kansas City Monarchs, as well as numerous white booking agents who controlled blackball
on the east coast), discovered there was a market for colored baseball early on. Hall of Famer Rube
Foster, who was a star pitcher at the beginning of the twentieth century, took over the independent
Chicago American Giants in 1911 and helped found the original Negro National League in 1920. Within a
year he was earning a personal income of $15,000, the equivalent of about $175,000 today.
For comparisons sake, New York Giants manager John McGraw was taking in $50,000 annually
(about $515,000 in 2008) at the same time, but benefited heavily by working within the framework of a
white league which had been around since 1876. Putting race aside for a brief moment, Foster (in the
context of a baseball league which was literally in its infancy) was doing astonishingly well. Of course,
anybody who has studied Rube Foster knows he was not only a talented ballplayer, but a gifted
businessman.
On the other hand, the players didn’t enjoy the same financial rewards as their league magnates.
Like the white leagues, their incomes were higher than the average working man’s, but not so great that
they didn’t have to secure jobs during the off-season to help pay their bills.
Cool Papa Bell, who came up as a pitcher in 1922, was making only $90 a month his first season
in St. Louis. By 1931, although an established star, he was earning only $220 a month, or $15,000
annually in today’s money- for six months work. Satchel Paige, on the other hand (when viewed from the
perspective of 2008 wages), was making about $16,000 as a rookie in the late 1920s, $44,879 by 1936,
then in excess of $500,000 in the 1940s, when black baseball reached its financial zenith and Paige had
become a nationally-recognized phenomenon.
Unfortunately, very few owners or players enjoyed the success of Rube Foster and Satchel
Paige. In almost every season, there were one or two (or three) teams which either folded or failed to
play out their league schedules. In fact, at no time during the Golden Age of black baseball did the black
leagues ever play a fully balanced schedule, nor did all the teams complete their string of games. A
couple times, the entire league fell apart.
In what was truly a hardscrabble environment, there were little things which separated those who
made it from those who didn’t.
Part of Rube Foster’s success might be attributed in small part to his relationship with a white
businessman named John Schorling. Schorling’s father-in-law happened to own a dilapidated ballpark
near the black neighborhoods on Chicago’s south side, which he agreed to let the American Giants call
home. They fixed up the grandstands, and over the next thirty years this ballpark would host more official
Negro League contests than any venue in history. Turns out Schorling’s father-in-law was a guy named
Charlie Comiskey, who owned a team called the Chicago White Sox. His dilapidated field had been the
home of the American Leaguers from 1901 through 1909.
Here it was early on, albeit with one degree of separation- a semi-symbiotic relationship between
blackball and the white Majors. Foster died unexpectedly in 1930, but the Giants (in their various
incarnations) continued to play in Schorling’s Park up until 1940.
With Foster’s death, the power in black baseball shifted almost completely to the east coast
during the 1930s; where due to the Great Depression and fragmented leadership, the leagues sputtered
and struggled to stay afloat. These were lean years, and not until World War II, when employment levels
were at an all-time high and travel restrictions forced people to look for entertainment close to home, did
folks began attending Negro League games en masse. The war years were among the most lucrative in
blackball history.
The white majors, in their own way, took notice.
According to documentation uncovered by author Brad Snyder (in his best-selling book, Beyond
the Shadow of the Senators), Washington owner Clark Griffith generated approximately $160,000 in
revenue during the 1942 and ‘43 seasons by merely renting his ballpark- and leasing its flood lights- to
the Negro National League Champion Homestead Grays.
The white Washington Senators had a good year in 1943, when wartime travel restrictions (and a
2nd place ball club) helped boost their attendance to over 574,000 in 75 games. Yet in that same summer,
the all-black 1st place Grays attracted over 225,000 fans in only 26 home appearances! Now, that pencils
out to about 1000 more fans per game for the black team, but more importantly (if we use the Consumer
Price Index), $160,000 in rental fees is equal to almost 2 million dollars in today’s economy. Major
League baseball wasn’t nearly as big a business back then as it is now, and clearly Griffith’s relationship
with black baseball had a significant impact on his wallet. In a very real sense, Griffith may have made
more off of black baseball in a couple seasons than Rube Foster did in a lifetime.
This is, as Snyder suggests, part of the untold story of Negro Organized Baseball, and the
painfully slow march to integration. Part of this inertia (perhaps a lot of it) simply had to do with cold hard
cash. While Jesse Owens could accept his medals on a stand in Nazi Germany and Joe Louis could
destroy all comers in the boxing ring, black baseball players were forced to ply their trade in the obscurity
of the Negro Leagues, in separate arrangements often benefiting white Major (and minor) League
operations.
By the 1940s, the black Chicago American Giants had moved their home games to Comiskey
Park. The Cleveland Buckeyes crossed bats with opponents in the Indians’ old League Park, while
Yankee Stadium was home to dozens of Negro League double-headers when the Bronx Bombers were
out of town. In 1935, the Brooklyn Eagles played at Ebbetts Field when the Dodgers were on the road. It
wasn’t uncommon for these matinee blackball events to attract over 20,000 paid customers in New York
City. At one point or another, almost every Major League stadium across the country hosted Negro
League events, some more extensively (and profitably) than others.
Publicly, when pressed on the issue, Major League executives often parroted the same two
responses about integration. Number one, they pointed out there was, in fact, no such rule preventing
blacks from playing professional baseball; there simply hadn’t been any players good enough to make the
grade. And number two, they candidly shared their concerns regarding how southern white players might
react if teams were mixed. It might, after all, “affect the harmony of a ball club.”
Privately, their views were much, much different. They knew from hosting blackball games at
their parks, and stories shared by white players who had barnstormed against Negro Leaguers during the
off-season, that there were- at the very least- a few players who could make the grade in white ball. But
secretly they were worried not so much about the harmony of their ball clubs, as they were about the
harmony at the ticket office. There was a very real concern that adding black ballplayers (and thus, more
black patrons in the stands), would actually deter white people from attending games. They feared
(though this may seem irrational to us today) that integration could actually threaten the entire institution
of Major League baseball.
And besides, if there weren’t any Negro Leagues, how are you going to fill open dates at your
Major League stadium when your team is on the road? How are you going to replace an additional
$80,000 revenue (one million dollars today) generated by blackball exhibitions during World War II?
In fairness, the owners of black baseball teams harbored fears of their own. Cumberland Posey,
owner of the Homestead Grays, privately shared his concerns about integration and how it might signal
the end of his thirty-year-old business. As we know now, his fears were well-founded; the Negro Leagues
collapsed less than ten years after the color line was erased.
The irony here, of course, is that when Jackie Robinson finally did make the jump to the National
League, not only was he a capable player, attendance at Dodgers games went up, especially on the road.
Within ten short years, many of the top gate attractions in the league; Willie Mays, Roy Campanella, Ernie
Banks and Hank Aaron were not only African-American men, but alumni of the Negro Leagues
themselves. Ernie Banks and Larry Doby went straight from the black leagues to the big time, based on
their performance and development in the apartheid circuits. Willie Mays, who hit about .307 in the black
leagues, clobbered white American Association pitching at a .477 clip, prompting the New York Giants to
call him up at the tender age of 20. Dark-skinned Cuban, Minnie Minoso, who batted .282 for the New
York Cubans, hit white minor league pitching at a .318 percentage before making his jump to the big
leagues.
Although most Major League teams had an unwritten quota of keeping only 2 to 4 black players
on their rosters (evenly paired so they could be roommates), and other teams waited years before signing
any black players; there were over 50 men who made the transition from black baseball to the Majors
during the very first generation of integration.
In short, there weren’t just a few guys who could have made the grade in white Major League
baseball before Robinson broke the color barrier; during the first half of the twentieth century, there were
many.
******************************
STRAT-O-MATIC
Now how do all of these things affect the STRAT-O-MATIC Negro League set? That’s the
$64,000 question, and I’ll try my best to answer it by examining several key elements unique to Negro
Organized Baseball and how they impacted card construction and player evaluation in the SOM set.
LEAGUE FORMAT
The first successful Negro National League was founded in 1920, and based in the mid-west. A
couple years later, the Eastern Colored League was founded on the east coast and became an
aggressive competitor of the NNL, especially in recruitment of the top players. By the mid-1920s, the
“Eastern” teams had the higher concentration of talent, based on their ability to pay higher salaries.
Neither one of these two original leagues would survive the Great Depression, but the East-West
die had been cast, and all subsequent leagues would fall along these geographical boundaries. And
based in large part on economic strength, due to less-expensive travel costs and a larger AfricanAmerican customer base, the eastern teams would continue to be stronger than their western
counterparts.
League strength became an important component in calculating the cards for our STRAT-OMATIC Negro League All-Stars. Each card was treated individually, based on the years in which the
player competed, and the level of talent against which their performance was accomplished. For
example, the performance of Buck Leonard, who played in the tougher, second incarnation of the Negro
National League (which was now based in the EAST), is weighted differently than Willard Brown or Buck
O’Neil, who played in the weaker Negro American League (WEST) during the late 1930s and early 40s.
All three men were great players, but Leonard faced stiffer competition during the course of the
summer and any adjustments to his card construction reflect this. Furthermore, for the five players who
both pitched and played regular positions; each card was treated individually as well. For example, Jose
Mendez’s pitching card is a combination of his pre-league dominance and post-arm trouble days with the
KC Monarchs, when he was still a good (not great) pitcher. Yet his regular position card is based on an
entirely different set of years, (basically, starting with 1920) when he became a utility player, and part-time
pitcher, in the Negro National League.
SCHEDULE LENGTH
Negro League teams rarely played more than 70 or 80 official league games during the course of
a season, and often less than that. To boost revenues, they’d supplement their schedule with an equal
amount of lucrative games against top-notch white semi-pro, college and minor league teams. At the end
of the white Major League season, they’d play a few games against barnstorming big league stars.
For the STRAT-O-MATIC set, we used only official Negro League games, which represented the
toughest talent faced during the course of a season. There are a couple minor exceptions, including the
deadball era players (because there was no league), and Chino Smith, who will be discussed in more
detail later.
For deadball players such as Spot Poles and Rube Foster, we simply included only their
performances against top black and Cuban teams of the era, as if there had been a black league, or
coalition, at the time.
ROSTER SIZE
Due to the costs associated with running a professional black baseball team, ball clubs didn’t
have a chance of turning a profit if they carried more than 14-to-18 salaried players on their rosters.
Therefore, versatility became a premium in Negro League prospects. Most ballplayers needed to be able
to handle several different positions. As you’ll see in the SOM set, many of these men played several
different spots during their prime, but not all of them very well. Oftentimes, pitchers were used in the
outfield- and when the arms were tired, or people hurt- outfielders were sometimes used as pitchers.
Pre-game preparation is another area where things differed dramatically from white organized
baseball. Where teams in the Majors had the luxury of a standard routine of infield drills, fungo hitting
and batting practice; black teams were often required to stage pre-game “exhibitions” to attract crowds.
Besides the famous “shadow ball” routines (similar to the Harlem Globetrotters’ center court act), they
often staged running races, throwing exhibitions, musical acts and beauty contests. A number of times,
due to the fact they were often playing 4 or 5 league (and non-league games) during the course of a
weekend, they’d pull up to the field right at game time and stumble out of the bus in their sweaty uniforms
and take the field.
When guys are positioned away from their strength; when players don’t have proper pre-game
preparation and are fatigued from grueling travel, the defense suffers. Error rates in the Negro Leagues
were astronomical, and fielding percentages ran about 20 points lower than the white MLB. These
factors; the smaller rosters, guys playing out of position, higher error rates, were items addressed in the
SOM set.
BALLPARKS
As any SABR-head or STRAT-O-MATIC Fanatic knows, ballparks play a huge role in a player’s
performance. Nowhere is this more prevalent than in the old Negro Leagues, where some teams (such
as the Chicago American Giants and Homestead Grays) played in extreme pitcher’s parks, while others
(like the St. Louis Stars and Detroit Stars, to name a couple) played in band-boxes. In general terms, the
Negro Leagues played in bigger ballparks, resulting in leagues which a) Had lower league-wide batting
averages than their white Major League counterparts, and b) Had lower league-wide slugging
percentages than the white Majors.
We’ve done some rather extensive research on the Negro League ballpark tendencies (as well as
league-wide context issues) to make sure each Negro Leaguer’s performance is adjusted accordingly.
Mule Suttles and Turkey Stearnes were great home run hitters, no doubt: but because they played much
of their primes in hitter-friendly parks, their 36 and 35 HR per typical season needs to be viewed much
differently than Josh Gibson’s 34 HR, because Gibson played in huge pitcher’s ballparks during his
heyday.
The same holds true for the performance of pitchers, some of whom had the advantage of huge
ballparks… especially those who starred for the Chicago American Giants and Homestead Grays.
EQUIPMENT
Not only did they play in larger ballparks, the actual baseballs used in Negro League play were
different from white leagues. The Majors used the Spalding product, while the Negro Leagues used the
less-expensive (and notoriously inferior) Wilson W 150 CC. In a 1970s interview, Hall of Famer Buck
Leonard claimed the Wilson ball didn’t travel as far or hold its shape as long as the big league balls.
Other Negro League veterans, including Judy Johnson and Double Duty Radcliffe, decried the inferiority
of the baseball during interviews with Negro League historian John Holway.
Furthermore, unlike the white leagues, in order to save expenses, Negro League baseballs were
kept in play as long as possible, regardless of scuffs, cuts or stains. By contrast, after Ray Chapman was
killed by a pitched ball in 1920, the white Major Leagues instituted a policy whereby all balls that had so
much as a minor stain or scratch were pulled out of a play immediately and replaced with new ones.
Bats were another difference. Whereas Babe Ruth, Ted Williams and Rogers Hornsby had
custom-made lumber, tailored to their specifications, most Negro League players bought their products at
the local hardware store. Oscar Charleston, Josh Gibson and Buck Leonard plied their trade using the
same stock models used by high school players.
PLAYING STYLE
By all accounts, the Negro Leagues showcased an exciting style of play, featuring aggressive
base-running, extensive use of the bunt, and judicious implementation of the hit-and-run play. The game
was really a hybrid of the dead-ball era game and the post-1920 live-ball generation.
Although home runs increased in the Negro Leagues at about the same rate as in the white
leagues, the black teams continued to run. As stolen bases came to a near-screeching halt in the white
Majors, black teams never abandoned the strategy.
In general terms, the 1930s Negro League game was very similar to 1970s baseball, especially
with regard to the statistical shape of the league. If the 1930s teams had played a balanced, 154-game
schedule, I think the numbers would have been very similar to the 1970s era many of us grew up with.
The top home run hitter would have had 35-40 round-trippers (bigger parks, cheaper ball), somebody
would lead the league with a .350 BA, a couple guys would steal 50-60 bases, and several pitchers would
have chalked up 22-25 wins, with big strikeout numbers, low ERAs. It had an interesting balance, with a
serious trend toward speed.
SPECIAL CHALLENGES
COOL PAPA BELL: Stolen bases were one of the things often underreported in Negro League
box scores. Certain cities seemed to include them more often than others. That being said, St. Louis
usually did a good job reporting stolen bases during Bell’s prime. The fact is, as fast as he was, Bell
simply didn’t steal bases at a Rickey Henderson-type clip. Nobody in the Negro Leagues did. Keep in
mind, most of the anecdotal stories about Bell center around things like a) going from first to third on
sacrifice bunts, b) tagging up from second on sac flies, and c) making infielders rush their throws when he
chopped ground balls and tried to leg out hits.
Bell was a great base stealer, he certainly lost some stolen bases in the newspaper coverage, but
I have a strong belief that he probably averaged around 40 stolen bases per 154 games against Negro
League competition during his prime. He’s a AA in our set (and deservedly so), but he didn’t run as much
as people once believed, and there’s a good reason for this. Think about it: He spent the majority of his
prime hitting in front of guys like Mule Suttles, Willie Wells, Oscar Charleston, Josh Gibson and Buck
Leonard. That’s a who’s who list of the greatest hitters in Negro League history, all Hall of Famers. I
don’t think he ran as much because the manager didn’t want his sluggers to lose RBI opportunities.
CHINO SMITH: Chino Smith was one of the greatest hitters in Negro League history. By
everybody’s calculation, he batted well over .400 during his extremely short career. Chino presents a
couple of serious challenges. Number one, not only was he a Hall of Fame candidate in 2006, everybody
who ever played against the man said he was one of the two or three greatest hitters they ever saw. In
other words, he belongs in our set, no doubt about it, and his omission from the set would raise
eyebrows. Number two, he played in an extremely hitter-friendly home ballpark in New York, which
skewered his performance. And number three, he died of Yellow Fever when he was only 30-years-old.
So what’s a guy trying to create a STRAT-O-MATIC Negro League set supposed to do? Take his .400+
average and create a card? No, that’s not going to be realistic. Artificially reduce to his stats, based on
what “feels” right to us? That might work for some baseball simulation companies, but not SOM.
Fortunately, and this makes a nice circle back to the economics-based introduction to our Negro
League booklet, these men often played winter baseball to help make ends meet. Chino Smith, as one of
the stars of blackball, played in the Cuban league during the winter, and during his years down there
(1927-30) it was a powerful little league. There were usually four teams, loaded with Major League,
Negro League and Cuban Talent. Plus- and this is important- they played in bigger ballparks than Chino’s
New York home field. In other words, we get to see Smith against top grade talent in a more pitcherfriendly environment.
Long story short: We used Smith’s Cuban data (blended it into his Negro League performance) to
normalize his performance a bit. We’re happy with the results. He’s still a great hitter, near the top of the
heap, but not disproportionately out of synch with the rest of the set.
PLATOON DIFFERENTIALS: We’ve covered a number of the unusual aspects of black baseball,
from the shorter league schedules to the smaller rosters. We’ve discussed the impact of ballparks on
individual player performance and the higher error rates in blackball. We’ve mentioned the cheaper
baseballs and high school-quality bats used by black players. We’ve talked about the herky-jerky, speed
based strategy in the Negro Leagues and the lack of formal, pre-game preparation. Of course, everybody
knows of the rough travel and institutionalized racism faced by the players.
Added to the list of curiosities in blackball are the splits. You know: the lefty/righty platoon
differentials. In general, the universal platoon differential (lefty pitchers fare better against left-handed
hitters, right-handed batters fare better vs. left-handed pitchers, etc.) hold true in black ball; but with a
caveat. Because of unbalanced schedules, and the dominance of left-handed batters in certain years,
there seems to be a slightly higher tendency for deviation from the universal rule.
As one would expect, righty Josh Gibson fattened up against southpaws, while left-handed
teammate Buck Leonard pummeled righties. But others, like Oscar Charleston and Chino Smith, break
the mold a bit. Oscar and Chino were both left-handed batters, and both certainly did well against righthanded pitchers; but we’ve discovered they both dominated left-handed pitchers as well! Some pitchers
in the set feature differentials which break the mold as well. I believe the variety in performance captures
the essence of these great players, adding to the uniqueness of the STRAT-O-MATIC set.
STRAT-O-MATIC CARD CONSTRUCTION
What Hal Richman and I decided to do was model the STRAT-O-MATIC Negro League All-Star
set after the popular SOM Hall of Fame set from 2001, basing each player’s card off of performances
during their top 5-7 seasons, in order to capture them in their prime.
This decision helped accomplish two things. Number one, we get to see all of these men at their
best. And number two, it gave us an opportunity to build a large enough statistical database to create
credible lefty/righty splits, and defensive numbers. Plus, we had a large enough overall statistical profile
to tackle the issue of converting their performances into a realistic Major League context.
If we had chosen to reproduce one Negro League season (1934, for instance), we wouldn’t have
been able to include all of the great players, nor would those who were included necessarily be featured
at the top of their games. Plus, because teams in 1934 played only 30-60 league games, you’d have no
chance of building credible splits, or adjusting for league context without a ridiculous amount of guesswork. So much guess-work, in fact, it would render the research time almost useless.
The numbers used for the SOM set are a combination of our own original research (meaning
numbers extracted from over 3000 Negro League box scores) and the most recently published Negro
League statistics. All of the lefty/righty splits and defensive numbers are original and exclusive to STRATO-MATIC. Batter’s strikeouts are estimates, based on league context, reputation and/or their actual
strikeout tendencies in Latin America or the Mexican League, where some of this data is now available.
Negro League stats are like the stock market, they go up and down depending on the source.
Additional box scores continue to be uncovered, but with over 90% of the data mined, we believed the
time was right for our set. We’re confident the STRAT-O-MATIC set is showcasing these superstars of a
bygone era at their best, in a realistic format.
Over the next ten years, researchers may discover another dozen Josh Gibson or Cool Papa Bell
box scores, but the general sense of who these players were has been established. A few additions won’t
change things too much. We know how well they handled left-handed pitching. We know if they were
good base-stealers. We know if they had strong arms. We know how many errors they committed. Most
importantly, we know how these players related to one another in terms of their skill sets.
We’ve captured the magic of these players in our set. Once again, thanks to detailed statistical
analysis and imagination, these men will play ball once again.
And this time- with your help- they’ll get an opportunity to play against the very best competition,
black or white.
Strat-O-Matic Negro League All-Stars
Hal's Scouting Report: There's been a lot written about most of the players in the Strat-O-Matic Negro League set. In a couple
sentences, we try to provide a general overview of a man's playing style or place in the Negro League world,
mostly for those who are new to the stars of the blackball circuits.
Hall of Fame? This is a list of every member of the Strat-O-Matic set who has been elected to the National Baseball Hall of
Fame in Cooperstown. We also list those who were candidates during the special election of 2006, but came
up short in the voting. Additionally, we've listed those who've made the Cuban and Mexican League Hall of
Fames. One player -- look for him -- is actually a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame.
East-West All-Star Games: A simple listing of how many All-Star games each man appeared in. We make special notes for those whose
careers spanned the years before the East-West game was created, or whose skills may have been in decline
after the inception of blackball's mid-summer classic.
Pittsburgh Courier Team: In 1952, the Pittsburgh Courier put together a list of the all-time greatest Negro League players, based
on the votes of their readership. Because most of the votes were compiled by people who had watched the
leagues in person and had first-hand knowledge, the Courier list is considered very prestigious.
The Quote: Each player profile includes a quote about him, courtesy of former teammates, opponents, sportswriters,
authors, and baseball historians.
Strat-O-Matic Insider: A couple brief sentences about some of the skill issues uncovered by the Strat-O-Matic Negro League
research. Did a hitter struggle against lefties? Did a pitcher dominate a certain type of batter? We try to
shed some additional light on the creation of the cards.
Caddy Companion: The Negro League set is engineered to be compatible with the SOM Hall of Fame set. In other words, for
optimum realism, the set is at its best when integrated with the pre-1947 Hall of Fame players. But, because
part of the fun of Strat is asking What if?, we've listed some suggested "Cadillac" seasons, super-advanced,
where one can incorporate certain cards. You may sacrifice some realism, but you'll ignite your creativity!
Newt Allen- ss/2b
Career:
1922 to 1941
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
KANSAS CITY MONARCHS
Hal's Scouting Report: Newt Allen was a defensive wizard in the middle infield, who left a strong impression on opponents (black or
white) with his work at shortstop and second base. He was a very capable hitter, with excellent speed.
Hall of Fame? NO
Was a candidate in 2006
East-West All-Star Games: YES
(FOUR ALL-STAR GAMES)
Pittsburgh Courier Team: YES
The Quote: "The second baseman would take a throw from the shortstop, come across the bag, turn the double play,
and never look at first base when he made the throw." -- Elden Auker MLB pitcher
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Allen was a fierce competitor, equally skilled against right or
Caddy Companion:
1927
left-handed pitching. Although possessing little power, he was an All-Star-caliber player for many years.
Sam Bankhead- ss/of
Career:
1930 to 1950
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
1934
PITTSBURGH CRAWFORDS
Hal's Scouting Report: Sam was one of five baseball-playing Bankhead brothers. Younger brother Dan pitched in the Major Leagues.
Bankhead was a perennial All-Star throughout his career and started for many great teams.
Hall of Fame? NO
(NINE ALL-STAR GAMES)
The Quote: "The most respected man I met in baseball was Sam Bankhead." -- Negro Leaguer Wilmer "Red" Fields
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Sam was equally proficient against lefty and righty pitching,
Caddy Companion:
1934
1941
committed a lot of errors at shortstop. Although known for his cannon arm, he played left field during prime.
Bernardo Baro- cf
Career:
1913 to 1930
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
CUBAN STARS
Hal's Scouting Report: Bernardo Baro is one of the greatest black Cuban ballplayers of the segregation era. He has the 5th highest
batting average in Cuban League history (.311), and reportedly batted .312 against Major Leaguers.
Hall of Fame? NO
Cuban HOF
East-West All-Star Games: Retired before inception of East-West Game in 1933.
Pittsburgh Courier Team: NO
The Quote: "A left-handed batter, the veteran outfielder was a five-point player, a player who could run, field, throw, hit, hit
with power." -- historian/author James A. Riley
Strat-O-Matic Insider: A left-handed batter, Baro scorched right-handed pitching, but
Caddy Companion:
1924
1927
struggled a little bit with southpaws. Having been a pitcher early in his career, Baro possessed a great arm.
John Beckwith- 3b
Career:
1920 to 1939
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
BALTIMORE BLACK SOX
Hal's Scouting Report: John Beckwith was one of the premier power hitters in black baseball during the 1920s. He was probably the
top long-distance hitter before Josh Gibson emerged, and hit for a high average.
Hall of Fame? NO
East-West All-Star Games: NO
Career was in decline after inception of All-Star game in 1933
The Quote: "Not only can Beckwith hit harder than any Negro ball player, but any man in the world."
-- Babe Ruth
Strat-O-Matic Insider: In 1928, John Beckwith became the first African-American player
Caddy Companion:
to hit three home runs in one game against a legitimate MLB pitcher (Rube Walberg).
Cool Papa Bell- cf
Career:
1922 to 1946
Batted: Both
Threw: Left
1924
1927
ST. LOUIS STARS
Hal's Scouting Report: Arguably the fastest man in Negro League history, Bell started as a knuckleball pitcher, then became a
wide-ranging outfielder who could dominate a game in several ways.
Hall of Fame? YES
1974
Cuban HOF
(EIGHT ALL-STAR GAMES)
The Quote: "If he hit one back to the mound, everyone would yell 'hurry'." -- Hall of Famer Judy Johnson, commenting on
the incredible running speed of James "Cool Papa" Bell.
Strat-O-Matic Insider: His throwing arm was much more effective than some historians
Caddy Companion:
believe. He was consistently above average in base-runner "kills" as a centerfielder.
William Bell- p
Career:
1923 to 1937
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
1927
1934
Hal's Scouting Report: William Bell had an above-average fastball, complemented by a solid change of pace and slider. With
excellent control, he was one of the top righties in the 1920s.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "Bell was a clutch pitcher with a moving fastball, a good curve, a change, a slider, and excellent control."
-- historian/author James A. Riley
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Runners had a very difficult time stealing when Bell was on the
Caddy Companion:
1924
mound. Similar to Major Leaguer Waite Hoyt, Bell was a star without being flamboyant or showy.
Jerry Benjamin- cf
Career:
1932 to 1948
Batted: Both
Threw: Right
1927
HOMESTEAD GRAYS
Hal's Scouting Report: Jerry Benjamin was a poor man's Cool Papa Bell. A slap-hitting switch-hitter with tremendous speed, Jerry
and Cool Papa were teammates in the 1940s. Bell (in his 40s) moved to a corner spot, so JB could handle CF
Hall of Fame? NO
(THREE ALL-STAR GAMES)
The Quote: "Jerry Benjamin is the best outfielder in baseball" -- Negro League columnist Sam Lacey, 1946
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Benjamin was an outstanding outfielder with tremendous range for Caddy Companion:
1934
the champion Homestead Grays of the 1940s. Average arm. Better hitter from left side of plate.
1941
Charles Blackwell- rf
Career:
1915 to 1929
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
ST. LOUIS STARS
Hal's Scouting Report: Blackwell is one of the great underrated players in Negro League history. Regardless of whether he was in
tiny Stars Park (St. Louis), or Birmingham's huge park, Blackwell demonstrated he could flat-out hit the ball.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "An excellent contact hitter, he had a good eye at the plate and seldom struck out, but also had good power."
Strat-O-Matic Insider: He was an excellent base stealer and a solid outfielder who
Caddy Companion:
could be used in all three spots. He was the clean-up hitter during much of his prime.
Chet Brewer- p
Career:
1925 to 1946
Batted: Both
Threw: Right
1920
1924
Hal's Scouting Report: He was like 1980s era Mike Scott; featured a big-league fastball and occasional emery ball. A star pitcher
who was a Hall of Fame candidate in 2006.
Hall of Fame? NO
(TWO ALL-STAR GAMES)
The Quote: "He had three speeds: Fast, faster, and out of sight! He threw a pea, an aspirin, and one with a tail on it!"
-- semi-pro catcher Al McKerlie, who caught Brewer in the ManDak league at the end of Brewer's career
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Solid defensive player, tough to run against. Made most of
Caddy Companion:
1927
1934
his pitching mistakes against left-handed batters.
Dave "Lefty" Brown- p
Career:
1918 to 1925
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
CHICAGO AMERICAN GIANTS
Hal's Scouting Report: A mega-star pitcher during the early days of the Negro Leagues. Jumped the Chicago American Giants when
New York flashed bigger dollars his way. Murdered a guy in NYC, then spent 13 years on the run.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "Dave Brown and Nip Winters are without doubt … our greatest left-handers."
-- Hall of Fame Negro Leaguer Ben Taylor
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Although a southpaw, he was nasty against righties.
Caddy Companion:
Grades out as about average off the mound defensively. He was a bad hitter.
Larry Brown- c
Career:
1919 to 1949
Batted: Both
Threw: Right
1920
1924
MEMPHIS RED SOX
Hal's Scouting Report: Great defensive catcher in a league where backstop defense was a premium. Switch-hitter who was used
mostly against righties, but was actually more effective against left-handed pitching.
Hall of Fame? NO
(SEVEN ALL-STAR GAMES)
The Quote: "Larry Brown had a great arm -- wasn't much of a hitter, but he could catch a cut ball, knuckleball, emery ball,
anything." -- Negro Leaguer Ted (Double Duty) Radcliffe
Strat-O-Matic Insider: All of the defensive studies and statistics confirm Brown was
Caddy Companion:
1924
1927
a master defensive catcher behind the plate.
Ray Brown- p
Career:
1930 to 1946
Batted: Both
Threw: Right
HOMESTEAD GRAYS
Hal's Scouting Report: Ray Brown was the ace pitcher for the great Homestead Grays teams of the late 1930s and early 1940s. He
had an average fastball, but grade-A curve ball and control. He used a knuckler later in his career.
Hall of Fame? YES
2006
Cuban HOF
The Quote: "(Brown) went right to work with his sinker, slider, fastball, and terrific curve. Later, he added a knuckler."
-- author Jack Morelli, in Heroes of the Negro Leagues
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Brown was tough on righties. An excellent athlete, he often
Caddy Companion:
played outfield or pinch-hit between starts. Great defensive pitcher off the mound.
1934
1941
Willard Brown- of
Career:
1935 to 1952
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: The league's premier power hitter in the 1940s, Willard Brown was known for his long-distance drives. He
came up as a shortstop in the mid-1930s, then shifted to the outfield.
Hall of Fame? YES
2006
The Quote: "Brown is one who challenged the feats of Josh Gibson. He was like Gibson in some respects. He could
hit the ball out of the park, but swung at a lot of bad pitches, whereas Gibson did not." -- Quincy Trouppe
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Benefited from playing against slightly lesser competition in the
Caddy Companion:
1941
West, but was a legitimate star. A bad-ball hitter, Brown hit lefties and righties with equal success.
Bill Byrd- p
Career:
1932 to 1950
Batted: Both
Threw: Right
1948
BALTIMORE ELITE GIANTS
Hal's Scouting Report: Authors Bill James and Rob Neyer have Bill Byrd ranked among the top 20 spitball pitchers of all-time (black
or white). Byrd also featured a knuckleball later in his career.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "Bill Byrd was an old-timer who had been pitching since the early thirties. He was past his prime and got by
Strat-O-Matic
on a variety of knucklers, spitters, and big looping curves." -- Negro League catcher Slow Robinson, quoted
in Catching Dreams.
Insider: He was a workhorse, who was very, very tough on righties.
Caddy Companion:
1934
1941
Struggled with left-handers during his prime. Not much range off the mound defensively.
Rev Cannady- 2b
Career:
1921 to 1940
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
NEW YORK BLACK YANKEES
Hal's Scouting Report: Rev Cannady was a versatile player, but most comfortable at second base. He was one of the great offensive
keystone men in Negro League history.
Hall of Fame? NO
(ONE ALL-STAR GAME)
The Quote: A bad-ball hitter, he was known as a superior curve ball hitter, who could sit on a curve and then "jump on it"
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Cannady was a right-handed hitter who feasted on lefties.
Caddy Companion:
1927
Rev played many different positions (mostly infield), but was no better than average at any of them.
Tank Carr- 1b/ut
Career:
1917 to 1934
Batted: Both
Threw: Right
1934
HILLDALE DAISIES
Hal's Scouting Report: A native Californian, Tank began his professional career in the integrated California Winter League, before
migrating east to the organized Negro Leagues in the 1920s. Had an immediate impact with several teams.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "Good hitter with power, but career was shortened by his fondness for the bottle."
-- Bill James in the New Bill James Historical Abstract
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Played all 9 positions during his peak, but best known as a
Caddy Companion:
1924
1927
first baseman. A speed demon, Carr's secondary position during the seasons we studied was centerfield.
Oscar Charleston- cf/1b
Career:
1915 to 1940
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
INDIANAPOLIS ABC'S
Hal's Scouting Report: Hall of Famer Oscar Charleston was a freakish combination of speed, power, brains and brawn. If he couldn't
beat you with his natural ability, he would just as soon use his fists. A fierce competitor.
Hall of Fame? YES
1976
Cuban HOF
The Quote: "He was the greatest player I ever saw, including Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb."
-- long-time St. Louis Cardinals scout Bernie Borgan
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Dominated right-handed pitchers, MURDERED lefties.
Caddy Companion:
Tremendous range in outfield, rarely missed games due to injury during his prime.
1924
1927
Phil Cockrell- p
Career:
1918 to 1934
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
HILLDALE DAISIES
Hal's Scouting Report: Cockrell was one of the top three spitballers in Negro League history, and was credited with 4 no-hitters during
his illustrious career.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "Phil Cockrell was a great pitcher, but you hated to play behind him because he threw that spit ball and you'd
Strat-O-Matic
get a hold of the goddamn spit sometimes. You just couldn't throw true." -- teammate Jake Stephens, in John
B. Holway's Black Diamonds, 1989
Insider: Had excellent range off mound, but committed quite a few errors. Caddy Companion:
1924
1927
Most similar to Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry.
Andy "Lefty" Cooper- p
Career:
1920 to 1941
Batted: Right
Threw: Left
Hal's Scouting Report: Hall of Famer Andy Cooper was a star with the Detroit Stars in the 1920s, before taking his glove to Kansas
City, where he continued to mop up the competition. Not overpowering, he relied heavily on the breaking ball.
Hall of Fame? YES
2006
(ONE ALL-STAR GAME)
The Quote: "I pitched against a guy named Andy Cooper, a left-hander. I thought he was even better than Satchel Paige.
Strat-O-Matic
He had a better curveball than Paige. Even if he wasn't better, he was just as good." -- Elden Auker, MLB
pitcher
Insider: Good defensively, but not nearly as good at holding runners on
Caddy Companion:
1924
1927
as has been previously reported by some historians. The stats contradict this in a decisive fashion.
Dewey Creacy- 3b
Career:
1924 to 1940
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
ST. LOUIS STARS
Hal's Scouting Report: An underappreciated player from the great St. Louis Stars teams of the late 1920s, Creacy was an offensiveminded third baseman who benefited from playing in tiny Stars park.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "A good player for a long time … helped St. Louis to several pennants, but not usually a big hitter. Slow,
adequate in the field." -- Bill James in The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Not a great defender, he struggled at the hot corner, but made up
Caddy Companion:
1924
1927
for things with his potent stick.
Jimmie Crutchfield- of
Career:
1930 to 1945
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: A classic over-achiever. Beside blazing speed, the 5'7" Crutchfield didn't possess the physical tools taken for
granted by many in our set. He got by on hustle and brains, becoming a proficient slap-hitting outfielder.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "Once in awhile, I get a kick out of thinking that my name was mentioned as one of the stars of the East-
Strat-O-Matic
Rube Currie- p
West game and little things like that. I don't know if I'd feel better if I had a million dollars."
-- outfielder Jimmie Crutchfield, who played in four East-West classics.
Insider: Crutch fared pretty well against righties, struggled with the
Caddy Companion:
port-siders. He had an excellent glove in the outfield, but a wet noodle for an arm.
Career:
1920 to 1932
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
1934
1941
Hal's Scouting Report: Rube Currie was a big, 6'4" righthander with a Major League curveball and excellent control. His reputation
throughout black ball was such that he pitched for 3 of the best teams of the 1920s, KC, Chicago and Hilldale
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "He was a top pitcher of the early 1920s, who appeared in all four Eastern Colored League/Negro National
League editions of the Negro World Series." -- baseball-reference.com
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Currie was down-right stingy on right-handers, freezing them
Caddy Companion:
with his deadly curveball. Runners had an easy time stealing against old Rube.
1924
1927
Ray Dandridge- 3b
Career:
1933 to 1949
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
NEWARK EAGLES
Hal's Scouting Report: Often referred to as the "greatest third baseman to never make the Majors," slick-fielding Dandridge was in his
late 30s when the color barrier cracked. He was a good hitter, but light on the power.
Hall of Fame? YES
1987
Cuban HOF
Mexican HOF
The Quote: "Willie Wells and Ray Dandridge played the left side as well as anybody." -- Hall of Famer Larry Doby
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Mr. Dandridge blistered left-handed pitching. Remembered as a
Caddy Companion:
1941
great third baseman, he also played short and second. He was very capable at the keystone spot.
Roosevelt Davis- p
Career:
1924 to 1945
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
1948
ST. LOUIS STARS
Hal's Scouting Report: Roosevelt Davis was similar to white Hall of Famer Red Faber, another right-handed spit-ball artist who relied
heavily on his trick pitch for his success. The oral tradition says Davis was bad defensively, and yes, he was!
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "I used to catch Davis and I said, "I ain't catching that emery ball today." He said, "Get back there you little
Strat-O-Matic
Leon Day- p
so and so. If you catch what I throw you, I'm gonna star and you gonna star, too." -- Negro League catcher
Sam Hairston, whose son and grandchildren played Major League baseball.
Insider: Davis had traditional splits, better against righties than
Caddy Companion:
1927
1934
against lefties. Base-runners ran at will against Mr. Davis.
Career:
1934 to 1950
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
NEWARK EAGLES
Hal's Scouting Report: Hall of Famer Leon Day was a superb athlete. When not pitching, he often started at second base or the outfield. Physically very similar to modern hurler Tom Gordon, short, 5'9" righty with surprising, big time fastball.
Hall of Fame? YES
1995
The Quote: "Leon Day was probably the finest all-around player I've ever seen. He was a good pitcher, had the heart of a
Strat-O-Matic
Bingo DeMoss- 2b
lion and a real good fastball. He threw as hard as Bob Gibson, was a good hitter, could outrun me and played
a great outfield." -- Hall of Famer Monte Irvin.
Insider: Right-handed batters had an awful time with Mr. Day. Lefties, on
Caddy Companion:
1941
1948
the other hand, fared much better against his offerings. Day was an incredible defensive pitcher.
Career:
1910 to 1930
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
INDIANAPOLIS ABC'S
Hal's Scouting Report: Bingo DeMoss was considered the greatest black second baseman during the Deadball Era and into the 20s.
He was a glove man with good speed, and was an outstanding bunter. Always played with great teams.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "When Bingo DeMoss made the double play he hardly ever looked directly toward first base. He could make
the play by a half glance." -- Negro Leaguer Sam Bennett
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Not a good hitter. DeMoss often batted number two and was
Caddy Companion:
1920
asked to square around for bunts on a regular basis. He DID play in tough hitter's parks, though.
Martin Dihigo- of/p
Career:
1923 to 1945
Batted: Both
Threw: Right
1924
CUBAN STARS
Hal's Scouting Report: After Babe Ruth, Dihigo was probably the second best two-way player of all-time. He could pitch, hit, hit for
power, throw and was an amazing defender, capable of playing multiple defensive positions.
Hall of Fame? YES
1977
Cuban HOF
Mexican HOF
The Quote: "Dihigo was the only guy I ever saw who could play all nine positions, manage, run, and switch-hit. I thought
Strat-O-Matic
I was having a pretty good year myself down there (in Winter Ball), and they were walking him to pitch to me."
-- Hall of Famer Johnny Mize
Insider: Dihigo is mistakenly thought of as a second baseman, but
Caddy Companion:
1927
1934
in reality he was at his best in the outfield, where he had Clemente-like abilities. He had a cannon arm.
Dizzy Dismukes- p
Career:
1910 to 1930
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
INDIANAPOLIS ABC'S
Hal's Scouting Report: Dismukes was a submariner whose career bridged the gap from the Deadball Era into the mid-1920s. After
his playing days were over, he stayed involved with the Negro Leagues in a variety of capacities.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "He could tell you more about baseball in a few minutes than a youngster could ever remember."
-- anonymous Negro Leaguer
Strat-O-Matic Insider: His submarine delivery was devastating against righties.
Caddy Companion:
Lefties didn't mind squaring up his pitches, and handled him pretty well.
Rap Dixon- rf
Career:
1922 to 1937
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
1920
1924
HARRISBURG GIANTS
Hal's Scouting Report: Rap Dixon was a five-tool guy who could do it all. Similar physically (and ability-wise) to Eric Davis, a star
outfielder with the Reds in the 1980s. Like Davis, Dixon's prime was cut short by physical problems.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "On a tour of Japan in 1927 he raced around the bases in 14.5 seconds, then amazed the Japanese by
Strat-O-Matic
John Donaldson- p/cf
standing at home plate and throwing several balls over the outfield fence, 328 feet away." -- Bill James in
The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract
Insider: Dixon was said to have a great arm, and the statistical package
Caddy Companion:
1927
1934
confirms this. Dixon blistered left-handed pitching.
Career:
1913 to 1934
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
Hal's Scouting Report: John Donaldson was the top African-American lefty during the Deadball Era. His diamond exploits were
often reported in nationally syndicated news stories, and told of his incredible strikeout feats.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "If Donaldson were a white man, or if the unwritten law of baseball didn't bar Negroes from the major leagues,
I would give $50,000 for him -- and think I was getting a bargain." -- John McGraw, Hall of Fame manager
Caddy Companion:
1920
1924
outfield, where he was a steady ball player. He became a scout for the Chicago White Sox in the 1950s.
As a pitcher, left-handed Donaldson was murder on lefties.
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Donaldson hurt his arm in his late 20s, then shifted to the
Bill Drake- p
Career:
1915 to 1930
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
ST. LOUIS STARS
Hal's Scouting Report: Drake's arsenal featured a fastball, curve and emery ball. He wasn't afraid to brush back hitters and
apparently kept the ball down, as a high percentage of putouts against him were groundball, infield outs.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "I barnstormed with Babe Ruth, he was one of the finest men I ever met. One day I said 'Ruth, give a chew
Strat-O-Matic
Frank Duncan- c
of tobacco, so he pulled his plug out. I hit it, and he hit it, and he put it back in his pocket."
-- Bill Drake, recalling his encounter with Babe Ruth (1971 interview)
Insider: He pitched in a mix of ballparks, from Stars (hitter's field) to
Caddy Companion:
1924
Association Park (pitcher's field). Nicknamed "Plunk," in reference to his beanball tendencies.
Career:
1920 to 1948
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
1927
Hal's Scouting Report: One of the superb defensive catchers in Negro League history. Tremendous arm strength, runners had a
difficult time swiping bases when he was behind the plate. An average hitter with little power.
Hall of Fame? NO
(ONE ALL-STAR GAME)
The Quote: "He was an excellent catcher, and a good, but not devastating, right-handed hitter."
-- author Robert Peterson, Only the Ball Was White
Strat-O-Matic Insider: He was rested against tough righties on occasion, yet fared
Caddy Companion:
much better against righties than lefties during the games studied by Strat-O-Matic.
1924
1927
Andrew "Rube" Foster- p
Career:
1902 to 1916
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: Rube Foster is the Albert Spalding of black baseball. First, he made a name for himself as a dominating
pitcher. Then he became a manager, team owner and league magnate. A phenomenal human being.
Hall of Fame? YES
1981
The Quote: "He was the smartest pitcher I've seen in all my years." -- Hall of Famer Honus Wagner
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Good range off mound, but committed a ton of errors. Rube was
Caddy Companion:
nasty against right-handed batters. A Deadball Era star, he allowed very few home runs.
Willie Foster- p
Career:
1923 to 1938
Batted: Both
Threw: Left
1911
Hal's Scouting Report: The younger brother of Hall of Famer Rube Foster, Willie was one of blackball's top left-handed twirlers during
the 1920s. He combined good speed with an excellent change-up and curveball to baffle the opposition.
Hall of Fame? YES
1996
The Quote: "He was really something to watch." -- Jocko Conlan, MLB player and umpire
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Foster benefited from pitching in a tremendous pitcher's palace,
Caddy Companion:
1927
1934
Schorling's Park on Chicago's South Side, where the fence was 397 to left-center and 410 to dead center.
Jelly Gardner- rf
Career:
1917 to 1933
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: Jelly was a slap hitter who coaxed a lot of walks and stole a lot of bases. An excellent bunter, Gardner fit in
well with manager Rube Foster's "small ball" philosophy. Tremendous all-around ballplayer.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "He could steal first base." -- Homestead Grays owner Cumberland Posey, recalling Gardner's running speed
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Very low error rate compared to his contemporaries in the set.
Caddy Companion:
A good arm, but not nearly as exceptional as previously reported in certain baseball books.
Josh Gibson- c
Career:
1930 to 1946
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
1924
1927
HOMESTEAD GRAYS
Hal's Scouting Report: The greatest right-handed hitter in Negro League history. Near the top in batting average, OBP, OPS &
HR percentage. A beast, the Babe Ruth/Jimmie Foxx of blackball, famous for tape-measure home runs.
Hall of Fame? YES
1972
Cuban HOF
Mexican HOF
(TWELVE ALL-STAR GAMES)
The Quote: "I remember my first swing around the American League, the older guys would point out to me, 'That's where
Strat-O-Matic
Vic Harris- lf
Gibson hit one …That's where Gibson hit one.' Well, I know nobody in our league hit them any further
than that." -- Hall of Famer Ted Williams.
Insider: Dominant HR hitter despite playing in HUGE parks, including
Caddy Companion:
1934
Forbes Field, Griffith Stadium and Greenlee in Pittsburgh. He was a fast catcher, with a strong arm.
Career:
1923 to 1950
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
1941
HOMESTEAD GRAYS
Hal's Scouting Report: Vic Harris played almost his entire career with the great Homestead Grays. He was a spray hitter with
occasional power. Feasted on right-handed pitching and was proficient with the bunt. Good runner.
Hall of Fame? NO
(SIX ALL-STAR GAMES)
The Quote: "Vic Harris was not a power hitter, but he was one of the best clutch hitters of all time." -- Monte Irvin
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Harris was a solid outfielder with an incredibly low error rate.
Caddy Companion:
1927
He played smart, tough and was a winner. He also managed the Grays during the Gibson/Leonard era.
1934
Eggie Hensley- p
Career:
1922 to 1933
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
ST. LOUIS STARS
Hal's Scouting Report: Eggie Hensley was a star pitcher with the great St. Louis Stars teams of the 1920s. A righty, he featured a
top-notch curve ball. When he made mistakes, he generally left the ball up, resulting in homers and fly outs.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "A product of St. Louis' semipro Tandy Baseball League, he joined the St. Louis Stars directly from the
sandlots." -- historian/author James A. Riley
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Hensley had the misfortune of pitching in an extreme hitter's park
Caddy Companion:
1924
1927
in St. Louis, but managed to do well. He was tough to steal against, but struggled with left-handed batters.
Pete Hill- cf
Career:
1903 to 1925
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: Pete Hill was blackball's best all-around outfielder of the Deadball Era. Had a rifle arm, good speed and rarely
struck out. He drew walks often and could bunt for base hits. Hill had virtually no weaknesses in his game.
Hall of Fame? YES
2006
The Quote: "The most consistent hitter of his time." -- Homestead Grays owner Cumberland Posey
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Played his best years in cavernous Chicago ballpark, where
Caddy Companion:
1911
1920
pitchers dominated and low-scoring games were the norm. Hill had a tremendous amount of assists in the OF.
Bill Holland- p
Career:
1920 to 1941
Batted: Both
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: Bill Holland is among the top 15 all-time in Negro League victories and was known for his fast ball and emery
pitch. Good strikeout pitcher considering the context of the Negro Leagues.
Hall of Fame? NO
(ONE ALL-STAR GAME)
The Quote: "Aside from his work on the mound, he was at best a mediocre player in other phases of the game, being an
average fielder and below average in batting and base running." -- historian/author James A. Riley
Strat-O-Matic Insider: His scuff ball probably broke downward, as the opposition
Caddy Companion:
1924
1927
consistently grounded out or struck out against his offerings. He was just average at holding base-runners on.
Sammy T. Hughes- 2b
Career:
1930 to 1946
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: Hughes was a tall, smooth second baseman, considered among the tops at second base during the 1930s.
He was selected for more All-Star games than any second baseman from 1933 through 1946.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "He was a good hitter. Good all-around player. He'd have made the big leagues, easy."
-- Negro Leaguer Ted (Double Duty) Radcliffe
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Sammy played most of his prime in huge ballparks, which held
Caddy Companion:
1934
his home run totals down. Throughout the middle '30s he played in Griffith Stadium, which was HUGE.
Fats Jenkins- lf
Career:
1920 to 1940
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
1941
Hal's Scouting Report: Like Allen Iverson without the tattoos and attitude, Fats Jenkins (in actuality a skinny super-athlete) was
regarded as the fastest man and top point guard in pro BASKETBALL during the 1930s! A great athlete.
Hall of Fame? NO
(Member of BASKETBALL Hall of Fame!)
The Quote: "A smart, hustling ballplayer, he slapped the ball and bunted, was like lightning getting to first base."
-- Bill James in The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract
Strat-O-Matic Insider: This little lefty had great range and committed very few errors
Caddy Companion:
1927
in left field. As a batter, he fared well against lefties and righties, with an edge against right-handers.
1934
Heavy Johnson- lf
Career:
1922 to 1933
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: As the nickname would suggest, Heavy Johnson was a big man and a big slugger. Despite being one of the
elite hitters of the 1920s, he never received the notoriety of blackball's more famous hitters.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "He could hit the ball out of any ballpark," -- former MLB player/umpire Jocko Conlan
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Terrific hitter regardless of who was on the mound or what
Caddy Companion:
1924
1927
ballpark he was playing in. Big, strong, unpolished defender who made few errors, but covered little ground.
Home Run Johnson- ss
Career:
1895 to 1916
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
NEW YORK LINCOLN GIANTS
Hal's Scouting Report: The top black shortstop in America prior to the emergence of John Henry Lloyd. Home Run Johnson played
before the organized Negro Leagues, but starred in the U.S., Cuba and against MLB stars.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "There are a number of requisites that a player should possess to be a first-class hitter, but in my opinion, two
Strat-O-Matic
Judy Johnson- 3b
of the greatest and most essential ones are confidence and fearlessness." -- Grant (Home Run) Johnson,
quoted in Sol White's Official Baseball Guide
Insider: Played during the Deadball Era in gigantic ballparks. Hit leftCaddy Companion:
1911
handed pitchers as if he owned them. Real good glove in the middle infield.
Career:
1921 to 1937
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
HILLDALE DAISIES
Hal's Scouting Report: Hall of Famer Judy Johnson was from the first generation of Negro Leaguers elected to Cooperstown. He was
a calm, confident third baseman and a winning player who came up big in many post-season games.
Hall of Fame? YES
1975
The Quote: "Oliver Marcelle was supposed to be the greatest third baseman of all time, but he couldn't hit too well. All
around, Judy Johnson was better than Marcelle was." -- Hall of Famer Cool Papa Bell
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Slap hitter who didn't strike out much. Could bunt and run a
Caddy Companion:
1924
little bit. Hit equally well against righties and lefties, but showed slightly more power vs. southpaws.
Slim Jones- p
Career:
1933 to 1938
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
1927
PHILADELPHIA STARS
Hal's Scouting Report: Slim Jones burst onto the national scene as a 20-year-old, flame-throwing lefty. His 1934 season was one
of the greatest in Negro League history, and his match-ups with Satchel Paige were legendary.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "Stuart (Slim) Jones, a towering lefthander with a blazing fastball, had a short, but impressive, career in bigtime baseball." -- author Robert Peterson in Only the Ball Was White
Strat-O-Matic Insider: He ran into arm trouble and developed a serious drinking habit.
Caddy Companion:
1934
Jones was dead by 25.
Newt Joseph- 3b
Career:
1922 to 1935
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: Newt Joseph was an All-Star-caliber player during his prime, and was known for his long, respectable career.
A solid hitter, the strong-armed third baseman hit over .300 during his career with the KC Monarchs.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "Newt Joseph was a fun-loving guy who actually managed the Monarchs for a while … In his day, he was a
great sign-stealer, and he taught me some of his tricks." -- Buck O'Neil in I Was Right on Time
Strat-O-Matic Insider: His power was hampered by playing in a big home park.
Caddy Companion:
1924
1927
Buck Leonard- 1b
Career:
1933 to 1950
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
HOMESTEAD GRAYS
Hal's Scouting Report: Hall of Famer Buck Leonard was one of the greatest fastball hitters in Negro League history. A line-drive hitter,
he's often compared to Lou Gehrig, but was probably more like Bill Terry in his prime.
Hall of Fame? YES
1972
(THIRTEEN ALL-STAR GAMES)
The Quote: "Leonard is a man of the same build as Rudy York and wearing the same number, but infinitely faster
than York and more aggressive." -- H.G. Salsinger, sports editor of The Detroit News
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Leonard was a very good defensive player. Tremendous hitter
Caddy Companion:
1934
against righties, much more human against left-handers and curve-ball artists. Took a LOT of walks!
John H. (Pop) Lloyd- ss
Career:
1906 to 1932
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
1941
BACHARACH GIANTS
Hal's Scouting Report: Lloyd was from the first generation of Negro Leaguers inducted into the Hall of Fame. He was simply the best
player in the game from about 1910 to 1920, and an All-Star-level player until retirement.
Hall of Fame? YES
1977
Cuban HOF
The Quote: "I am honored to have Lloyd called the black Wagner. It is a privilege to be compared to him."
Hall of Famer Honus Wagner
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Lloyd feasted on right-handed pitching, but certainly held his own
Caddy Companion:
1911
1920
against lefties. Versatile defensively, he could play any infield spot.
Dick Lundy- ss
Career:
1916 to 1939
Batted: Both
Threw: Right
BACHARACH GIANTS
Hal's Scouting Report: Lundy was a big, tough, husky shortstop who often batted in the middle of the order. He took over the shortstop position from an aging Pop Lloyd, when he and Pop were teammates. Good hitter, great glove.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "Lundy could go behind second base and get a ball and throw you out, go behind third and do the same
thing. It looked like he knowed where you were going to hit the ball." -- Hall of Famer Satchel Paige
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Switch-hitter who was better from his natural, right-handed
Caddy Companion:
1924
1927
side. He touched left-handed pitching at an average nearly 60 points higher than he did against righties.
Jimmie Lyons- lf
Career:
1910 to 1925
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: Jimmie Lyons was the fastest man in the West. He was a slap-hitting, lead-off hitter who could drag bunt for
base hits as well as any man in Negro Organized baseball. Fantastic base stealer and defensive outfielder.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "(Lyons) steals bases as easy as he gets on a street car." -- anonymous Chicago sportswriter, 1912
Strat-O-Matic Insider: His home runs were mostly of the inside-the-park variety.
Caddy Companion:
1911
Played most of his prime in the worst hitter's park in Negro League history -- Schorling in Chicago.
Biz Mackey- c
Career:
1920 to 1947
Batted: Both
Threw: Right
1920
HILLDALE DAISIES
Hal's Scouting Report: Hall of Famer Biz Mackey was considered one of the top three defensive catchers in the history of the Negro
Leagues. Roy Campanella often credited Biz with teaching him everything he knew. Plus, Mackey could hit!
Hall of Fame? YES
2006
(FIVE ALL-STAR GAMES)
The Quote: "When I was a kid, I saw both Mackey and Mickey Cochrane in their primes, but for real catching skills, I
didn't think Cochrane was the master of defense that Mackey was." -- Hall of Famer Roy Campanella
Strat-O-Matic Insider: At one point or another, Mackey played EVERY position during
Caddy Companion:
1924
his prime. As a hitter, he had no weaknesses. In 80 games against white professionals, he batted .385!
1927
Dave Malarcher- 3b
Career:
1916 to 1934
Batted: Both
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: Gentleman Dave took over the reins of the Chicago American Giants when Rube Foster became ill. A fine
defensive third baseman, Malarcher was an on-field leader, respected by his peers.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "Best manager I ever saw? Dave Malarcher, because he was an intelligent man and was understanding."
-- All-Star third baseman Alec Radcliffe
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Malarcher was a little guy who could bunt and steal a base.
Caddy Companion:
He didn't have much power, but made up for his shortcomings with a brilliant baseball mind.
Max Manning- p
Career:
1940 to 1951
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
1920
1924
NEWARK EAGLES
Hal's Scouting Report: This bespectled side-armer was tough on righties. Although he pitched in a pretty good hitter's park, Manning
was consistently one of the top hurlers in the Negro League East.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "I have absolutely no regrets, none whatsoever (about not playing in the Major Leagues). I think destiny plays
a bit part in what happens in people's lives." -- pitcher Max Manning, in Shades of Glory
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Above average at holding runners on base, but committed a lot
Caddy Companion:
1941
1948
of errors when on the hill. Manning has one of the lowest WHIP ratings in the set. He was an average hitter.
Ghost Marcelle- 3b
Career:
1918 to 1934
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
BACHARACH GIANTS
Hal's Scouting Report: In 1952, Ghost Marcelle was selected as the greatest third baseman in Negro League history by the voters in
a Pittsburgh Courier poll. He was an outstanding defender, fast, and an All-Star-caliber hitter.
Hall of Fame? NO
Cuban HOF
The Quote: "Oliver Marcelle was better than most (other third baseman) because of his fielding,"
-- Negro Leaguer Ted (Double Duty) Radcliffe
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Marcelle is a member of the Cuban Baseball Hall of Fame, where
Caddy Companion:
1920
1924
he starred during the 1920s, often playing against Major Leaguers, as well as the best black and Cuban talent.
Leroy Matlock- p
Career:
1929 to 1942
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
Hal's Scouting Report: Not overpowering, Matlock featured an average fastball and great curve ball. The southpaw was tough on
lefties and very difficult to run against. He was, according to our studies, an extreme fly ball pitcher.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "I couldn't hit him with a paddle." -- Negro Leaguer Ted Page
Strat-O-Matic Insider: He benefited from pitching in Pittsburgh, which had two (Forbes
Caddy Companion:
1934
1941
and Greenlee) outstanding pitcher's parks. He was a durable pitcher, and a pretty good defensive player…
Verdell Mathis- p
Career:
1940 to 1950
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
MEMPHIS RED SOX
Hal's Scouting Report: Mathis was a workhorse for several marginal Memphis Red Sox teams in the 1940s. Because he played in
the South, he isn't as well-known as most of the players in the Strat-O-Matic set.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "When I was a teenager, I made a wish to pitch for the Memphis Red Sox. I got exactly what I wished for.
That doesn't happen very often." -- Verdell Mathis, in Blackball News
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Took advantage of Memphis' Martin Park … an extreme
Caddy Companion:
1941
1948
pitcher's park and a tough place for anybody to hit home runs. Mathis was equally adept vs. lefties or righties
Webster McDonald- p
Career:
1920 to 1940
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
PHILADELPHIA STARS
Hal's Scouting Report: Submariner Webster McDonald enjoyed a long, illustrious career in the Negro Leagues and is among the top
25 winners in Negro League history. He spent his best years with Chicago and Philadelphia.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "He gets down on his right knee, brushes the ground with his right knuckles and lets go, his delivery being a
change of pace and a snake ball." -- Minneapolis Journal sportswriter Halsey Hall, 1930
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Equally tough on lefties and righties. Could start every fourth day,
Caddy Companion:
1927
1934
plus tossed a lot of innings out of the bullpen. Pretty good defensive pitcher, according to the stat package.
Hurley McNair- lf
Career:
1911 to 1937
Batted: Both
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: Hurley McNair is another of the lesser-known stars of blackball history. A switch-hitting outfielder, he could
flat out hit. McNair was a star with the great KC Monarchs teams of the early 1920s.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "He could have taken two strikes on Jesus Christ (and still gotten a base hit on the third pitch)."
-- Negro League star George Giles
Strat-O-Matic Insider: The switch-hitter was rough on right-handed pitching and had
Caddy Companion:
1920
1924
surprising power for a little man.
Jose Mendez- p/ss
Career:
1908 to 1926
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: Jose Mendez was the top dark-skinned pitcher in the world for about five years, beginning in 1908 or so. He
regularly dominated Major League batters in exhibition games, as well as Negro League competition.
Hall of Fame? YES
2006
Cuban HOF
The Quote: "It is not alone my opinion but the opinion of many others who have seen Mendez pitch that he ranks with
the best in the league." -- MLB catcher Ira Thomas
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Mendez was super tough on right-handed batters.
Caddy Companion:
1911
1920
He was also a light-hitting utility man with very good speed.
Bill Monroe- 3b
Career:
1896 to 1914
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
PHILADELPHIA X-GIANTS
Hal's Scouting Report: Bill "Money" Monroe was the top third baseman prior to Oliver "Ghost" Marcelle. The Hall of Fame candidate
was a chatterbox known for his humor and cockiness on the playing field.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "Monroe eats 'em up. He is a wonder. At bat he hits the ball hard." -- Lynn (MA) Daily Evening Item, 1905
Strat-O-Matic Insider: He was a versatile defender, most comfortable at third or second.
Caddy Companion:
1911
At the plate, he was the near-equal of contemporary Home Run Johnson, and a much better base stealer.
Dobie Moore- ss
Career:
1920 to 1926
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: Dobie Moore was well on his way to surpassing John Henry Lloyd as the top blackball shortstop when he was
shot in the leg by his girlfriend. A good defender, he also wielded a potent stick and good speed.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "Dobie may not have been as agile as some of them (other shortstops), but he had a rifle arm and made
good plays." -- teammate George Sweatt, SABR Baseball Research Journal, 1982
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Dobie Moore hit .347 against MLB pitching in more than 150 PA,
Caddy Companion:
1920
1924
.408 against white minor-league pitching (more than 250 PA), and about .346 against Negro League pitching.
Alejandro Oms- cf
Career:
1917 to 1935
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
CUBAN STARS
Hal's Scouting Report: Alejandro Oms, a legend in Cuba, has the 2nd highest batting average of all-time in their Winter League.
Cuban Armando Marsans (played in MLB), hit .269 in Cuba, while Oms batted .345 during the same era.
Hall of Fame? NO
Cuban HOF
(ONE ALL-STAR GAME)
The Quote: "Oms threw and hit left-handed and seems to have been a line drive hitter somewhat in the mold of Rod Carew
but with more power." -- Roberto Gonzalez Echevarria, in The Pride of Havana: A History of Cuban Baseball
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Often compared to a young Tony Oliva, Oms was a left-handed
Caddy Companion:
1924
1927
batter who feasted on right-handed pitching. An outstanding defensive outfielder known for showboating.
Buck O'Neil- 1b
Career:
1937 to 1955
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: One of the great ambassadors of Negro League baseball, O'Neil was a Gold-Glove-caliber first baseman who
won one batting championship during his career.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "A Mark Grace/Mickey Vernon type player (except right-handed), a line drive hitter and Gold Glove first
Strat-O-Matic
Satchel Paige- p
baseman, very graceful, good base runner, excellent arm." -- Bill James in The New Bill James Historical
Baseball Abstract
Insider: A line-drive hitter who enjoyed facing lefties, O'Neil did
Caddy Companion:
1941
1948
not have tremendous power. Although not blessed with great speed, he could pick spots and steal bases.
Career:
1927 to 1955
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: Sorry, Smokey Joe, Bullet and Slim: Satchel Paige was the greatest pitcher in the history of the Negro
Leagues. When facing tough hitters, he literally DID get better.
Hall of Fame? YES
1971
The Quote: "He really had a fastball. He's tall and skinny and … when he powders that ball in there it's just like aiming at
Strat-O-Matic
Spoony Palm- c
buckshot. Satch has lost a lot of his stuff now, but when he was going best he'd have held his own in
any league." -- Jimmy Ripple, MLB outfielder, 1951
Insider: In one stretch (164 at bats) against Negro League HOF batters,
Caddy Companion:
1934
they could manage only .189 against the offerings of Paige. He bore down on the key batters.
Career:
1927 to 1946
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
1941
ST. LOUIS STARS
Hal's Scouting Report: Spoony Palm was a power-hitting catcher with the St. Louis Stars during the late 1920s. Playing in the Negro
Lg's version of Coors Field (Stars Park), Palm racked up huge home-run numbers and was a decent catcher.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "There was a white fellow who was a big fan of Palm. He'd sit in the front row of the white section behind home
Strat-O-Matic
Red Parnell- lf
plate and every time Palm got a hit, he'd throw a handful of 2-for-$1 Producto Cigars out to the hefty catcher."
-- Dan Burley, Chicago Defender columnist, 1959
Insider: Although a right-handed hitter, he really blistered right-handed
Caddy Companion:
1927
1934
pitching during his prime. His power numbers dipped dramatically when he left St. Louis.
Career:
1926 to 1943
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
PHILADELPHIA STARS
Hal's Scouting Report: Because he played half his career in the South, Parnell is another of the lesser-known stars of Negro League
history. He was a very solid all-around player.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "Although not gifted with exceptional speed, he was a good base runner." -- historian/author James A. Riley
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Real solid hitter, moderate power. Could handle any pitcher.
Versatile, above-average outfielder with mediocre throwing arm.
Caddy Companion:
1927
1934
Superman Pennington-1b
Career:
1940 to 1950
Batted: Both
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: Art "Superman" Pennington was a versatile star during the 1940s. A switch-hitter, he spent most of his career
toiling in Chicago's Comiskey Park. Could play several positions on defense.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "Although playing mostly in the outfield or at first base, Pennington was a versatile player and also could play
any infield position, and … sometimes was utilized as a relief pitcher." -- historian/author James A. Riley
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Line-drive hitter with moderate power. After Jackie Robinson
Caddy Companion:
1941
broke the color line, Pennington dominated in the white minor leagues, often hitting upwards of .340.
Bill Perkins- c
Career:
1928 to 1948
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
1948
BIRMINGHAM BLACK BARONS
Hal's Scouting Report: Perkins was a solid, all-around catcher and a starter early in his career. Because of his all-around ability, he
traveled around the Negro Leagues for 20 years, often following friend Satchel Paige from team to team.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "My catcher was (Bill) Perkins, who handled a pitcher like nobody's business." -- Satchel Paige in "Maybe
I'll Pitch Forever," when recalling his early days in Birmingham
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Perkins had moderate power and fared better against righties.
Caddy Companion:
1934
1941
He often played in the outfield when he was not behind the plate.
Bruce Petway- c
Career:
1906 to 1925
Batted: Both
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: A great defensive catcher with very good speed for a catcher and a good throwing arm. Major Leaguers who
played against Petway sometimes compared him to Major Leaguer Lou Criger.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "If I had my say, the Afro-American would be welcome inside the fold. I would like to have such players as
Lloyd and Petway of the Chicago Colored Giants." -- Portland (PCL) Manager Walter McCredie, 1915
Strat-O-Matic Insider: His arm was great, but not in the class with some of the other
Caddy Companion:
1911
big guns in our set. A switch-hitter, Petway hit for higher average vs. lefties, more power vs. righties.
Spot Poles- cf
Career:
1909 to 1923
Batted: Both**
Threw: Right
1920
Hal's Scouting Report: One of the great Deadball-Era outfielders and a star in the New York area. He was a speed demon who played
center field and batted lead off for championship teams in the U.S., Cuba and the Florida Winter League.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "Jack Johnson, Joe Louis, Jesse Owens and Spot Poles."
-- social activist Paul Robeson, listing the four greatest black athletes he'd ever seen
Strat-O-Matic Insider: **There is still some debate whether Poles was really a
Caddy Companion:
switch-hitter. The only photos existing always show him batting left-handed…
Piggie Powell- p
Career:
1925 to 1935
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
1911
1920
Hal's Scouting Report: Pigmeat, Piggy, Piggie Powell was an excellent right-handed pitcher with the Chicago American Giants in
the late 1920s and early '30s. Usually a No. 3 starter for some great Giants' teams.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "You know what their weakness is? A fastball between the eyes." -- Negro League pitcher Rube Currie giving
advice to a young Willie "Piggie" Powell (1920s)
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Tough on right-handed batters, with an average move to first base. Caddy Companion:
Powell survived an accidental gunshot to the face in the late 1920s.
1927
1934
Alec Radcliff- 3b
Career:
1932 to 1946
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: The younger brother of Ted (Double Duty) Radcliffe, Alec was a hard-hitting third baseman and perennial AllStar with the Chicago American Giants. He was a better hitter than his more famous brother.
Hall of Fame? NO
(ELEVEN ALL-STAR GAMES)
The Quote: "My brother, Alec, was as good a third baseman who ever lived. There wasn't any third baseman in the
league who could hit with him." -- Negro Leaguer Ted (Double Duty) Radcliffe
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Alec was tough on lefties and played in two of the toughest hitters'
Caddy Companion:
1934
1941
parks in blackball history: Schorling and Comiskey in Chicago. He often batted clean-up during his prime.
Double Duty Radcliffe-c/p
Career:
1928 to 1950
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MEMPHIS RED SOX
Hal's Scouting Report: Radcliffe is one of the legendary names in Negro League history; clearly Major League-caliber as a catcher or
pitcher. He was an average hitter, very impatient at the plate and usually hit in the bottom third of batting order.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "I was the greatest of all-time." -- Ted "Double Duty" Radcliffe
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Solid catcher. As a pitcher, he had an average fastball and an
Caddy Companion:
1934
1941
above-average emery ball. Tough on right-handed batters, above average at holding runners on base. Smart.
Cannonball Redding- p
Career:
1911 to 1932
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: Big-time fastball pitcher from the Deadball Era. Locked horns with Smokey Joe Williams in battles for mound
supremacy in the East. His best years were before the organization of the official leagues.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "From 1911, when he broke into fast company, until a few years ago he used nothing but his smoke ball.
And it was impossible to hit. I know, because I have tried." -- Hall of Famer Ben Taylor, 1925
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Durable pitcher, good defensive pitcher, below average at
Caddy Companion:
1911
1920
holding runners on base.
Frog Redus- lf
Career:
1924 to 1940
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
ST. LOUIS STARS
Hal's Scouting Report: Frog Redus took advantage of St. Louis' Stars Park's short left-field porch and piled up massive power
numbers during the late 1920s. Hit for high average as well, as the team's starting left-fielder.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "Five-foot-five inch right-handed batter who played left beside Cool Papa Bell in St. Louis … hit a surprising
amount of home runs." -- Bill James in The New Bill James Historical Baseball Almanac
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Below-average outfielder, wet noodle for a throwing arm. Average
Caddy Companion:
1927
speed, not a base stealing threat. Hit lefties for high average; massive power vs. right-handed hurlers.
Neil Robinson- cf
Career:
1934 to 1950
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
1934
MEMPHIS RED SOX
Hal's Scouting Report: Neil Robinson is a Negro League alum who is a bit less known due to having played in the South. He was the
clean-up hitter in Memphis for many years and a perennial East-West All-Star player. Very versatile.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "(Neil Robinson) was the kind of player you could build a team around."
-- Winfield Welch, Birmingham Manager
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Had power but was stifled by playing in Martin Park, Memphis,
Caddy Companion:
1941
1948
which was a tough, tough place to hit. EXTREMELY tough on left-handed pitching. Weak arm in the outfield.
Bullet Joe Rogan- p/cf
Career:
1920 to 1938
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: Like Dihigo and Babe Ruth, one of the legitimate two-way Hall of Fame-caliber players. Hit .318 in more than
300 plate appearances against Major League pitchers. Star pitcher in the Negro Leagues during the 1920s.
Hall of Fame? YES
1998
(ONE ALL-STAR GAME)
The Quote: "He had a nice, easy delivery." -- Jocko Conlan, MLB player and umpire who considered Rogan among
the most-talented black pitchers he had ever seen.
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Played solid outfield and second base when not pitching. Hit for
Caddy Companion:
1924
high average with good pop. As a pitcher, was tough on right-handers, great defensive range off mound.
Harry Salmon- p
Career:
1923 to 1935
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
1927
Hal's Scouting Report: One of the Birmingham Black Barons' ace pitchers during the 1920s, Salmon featured a cross-fire delivery, a
Major League-caliber fastball and excellent control. Allegedly lost his cool under pressure on the mound.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "Harry Salmon pitched from one side like Ewell Blackwell of the Reds. I never did see anyone pitch like that.
Strat-O-Matic
Louis Santop- c
He was hard to hit. He tickled me. All the batters would jump out of the way when he went into his act."
-- Hall of Famer Satchel Paige discussing former teammate Harry Salmon
Insider: Benefited from pitching in Birmingham's Rickwood Park, a great
Caddy Companion:
1924
1927
place to pitch. Tougher on righties than lefties. A good hitter who was sometimes used in the outfield.
Career:
1911 to 1926
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: If Bruce Petway was the big-name catcher in the West during the Deadball Era, Louis "Big Bertha" Santop
was the marquee backstop in the East. He was 6'4" and known for his strong arm and long home runs.
Hall of Fame? YES
2006
The Quote: "That Santop used to hit me like he owned me. I don't believe I ever got him out." -- Joe Bush, MLB pitcher
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Often batted clean-up, always played on great teams. Santop
Caddy Companion:
feasted on right-handed pitching, but struggled some with southpaws.
Tubby Scales- 2b/ut
Career:
1921 to 1948
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
1911
1920
Hal's Scouting Report: Tubby Scales was what today we refer to as a "professional hitter," known for his bat much more than his
defense. Hit for average and power; could steal an occasional base. Below average, but versatile defensively.
Hall of Fame? NO
(ONE ALL-STAR GAME)
The Quote: "He was a Bill Madlock-type player." -- Baseball historian Bill James
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Feared no pitcher, clobbered lefties. Became a manager later in
Caddy Companion:
1924
his career, where one of his prized pupils was Jim Gilliam, who later starred with the Dodgers.
Dick Seay- 2b
Career:
1925 to 1947
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
1927
Hal's Scouting Report: Little Dick Seay was a latter-day Bingo DeMoss, known for his magical glove at second base, but below
average with the stick. Unlike DeMoss, Seay was NOT a massive stolen base threat, but could bunt well.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "A tiny jitterbug-type player. One of the few Negro League stars who was raised in the North."
-- Bill James in The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Could fill in at shortstop when needed. Handled left-handed and
Caddy Companion:
1934
1941
right-handed pitching about equally well. Often batted No. 2 in the order, but sometimes near the bottom.
Bonnie Serrell- 2b
Career:
1942 to 1958
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: The "Human Vacuum," Bonnie Serrell was known for his outstanding defense. He was regularly
promoted by the black press as a Major League candidate. Instead, he moved to the Mexican League.
Hall of Fame? NO
(ONE ALL-STAR GAME)
The Quote: "He played fancy, but that's the only way he could play. He wasn't clownin' but he'd get the ball and throw it
Strat-O-Matic
Chino Smith- rf
over his shoulder and behind him and all like that and make the double play."
-- Connie Johnson, former Negro League and Major League pitcher.
Insider: A left-handed hitter, Serrell fattened up against righties. He
Caddy Companion:
1948
1951
had a tough time with southpaws. Often batted in middle of order on team with Ernie Banks, Elston Howard.
Career:
1925 to 1930
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: One of the greatest hitters in Negro League history. Had power, speed and hit for extremely high average.
In his Yankee Stadium debut, hit two home runs and a triple on July 6, 1930 vs. the Baltimore Black Sox.
Hall of Fame? NO
East-West All-Star Games: Died before inception of East-West Game in 1933.
The Quote: "Charleston was a good hitter, but Smith was better because he could hit all kinds of pitching. He had good
Strat-O-Matic
Hilton Smith- p
timing, good eyes. If you pitched outside to Smitty, he'd hit a line drive over third base. If you pitched inside,
he'd hit it over the fence." -- Negro League pitcher Bill Holland
Insider: Smith died at 30 from Yellow Fever. Because his career was
Caddy Companion:
1927
extremely short, SOM included Cuban League data in Smith's stat package to create a more realistic profile.
Career:
1932 to 1948
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: Hall of Famer Hilton Smith had a big-time fastball and the best curve ball in the Negro Leagues during the
1940s. The No. 2 starter behind more famous Satchel Paige, Smith often relieved between starts.
Hall of Fame? YES
2001
The Quote: "Usually teams would put a pitcher out in right field because they had nobody else. But Hilton could have
Strat-O-Matic
Turkey Stearnes- cf
played outfield with any of the great teams! The Grays, Chicago, any of 'em. He could hit!"
-- Sherwood Brewer, Negro League player
Insider: His curve ball proved to be deadly against right-handed hitters;
Caddy Companion:
1941
1948
while lefties fared a little bit better. Smith was a really good hitter and bunter.
Career:
1923 to 1942
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
DETROIT STARS
Hal's Scouting Report: Turkey Stearnes is the all-time home run hitter in Negro League history, although his HR% is less than that of
Josh Gibson. He was a great hitter, but he also took advantage of a short porch in Detroit's Mack Park.
Hall of Fame? YES
2000
The Quote: "I've seen Stearnes hit one in Comiskey Park, hit the facing of the roof in the upper deck, and it was still
going when it hit." -- Negro Leaguer Ted "Double Duty" Radcliffe
Strat-O-Matic Insider: No weakness at the plate. Continued to hit extremely well when
Caddy Companion:
1927
1934
he left Detroit for Chicago, but power numbers dropped with Schorling and Comiskey as his home parks.
Sam Streeter- p
Career:
1920 to 1936
Batted: Right
Threw: Left
Hal's Scouting Report: Sam Streeter is one of the all-time winningest left-handed pitchers in Negro League history. He was a crafty
junkballer and occasional spitball pitcher; usually the No. 2 or No. 3 starter for solid ballclubs.
Hall of Fame? NO
(ONE ALL-STAR GAME)
The Quote: "Lefty Sam Streeter was generally acknowledged the spitter king of the Negro leagues."
-- author Donn Rogosin, in Invisible Men
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Although a lefty, he didn't have a distinct advantage against
Caddy Companion:
1927
1934
left-handed batters. Fared equally well against all types of hitters. Streeter could help himself with the bat.
Mule Suttles- 1b
Career:
1923 to 1944
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
ST. LOUIS STARS
Hal's Scouting Report: A tape-measure home run hitter, Hall of Famer Mule Suttles is one of the top five sluggers in Negro League
history. In the Cal. Winter League, hit a ridiculous .378 with 64 HR in 126 G vs. MLB and Minor Lg pitchers.
Hall of Fame? YES
2006
The Quote: "They say he used the heaviest bat ever swung. Looking at it, I think it was true. He hit some boomers."
-- Hall of Famer Charlie Gehringer
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Bad defensive player, but such a massive offensive presence
Caddy Companion:
this could easily be over-looked. Batted clean-up for great St. Louis teams in the 1920s.
Ben Taylor- 1b
Career:
1910 to 1929
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
1927
1934
INDIANAPOLIS ABC'S
Hal's Scouting Report: Hall of Famer, Ben Taylor, was the premiere defensive first baseman during the early days of the Negro
Leagues. He was a talented line-drive hitter and excellent manager. His brother, Jim, is also in the SOM set.
Hall of Fame? YES
2006
The Quote: "The South Carolina-born lefty was a standout hitter who, while not known for his power, could drive the
Strat-O-Matic
ball to all fields and occasionally stretch a single into extra bases."
-- author Jack Morelli, in Heroes of the Negro Leagues
Insider: A lefty, Taylor murdered right-handed pitching. He was much
Caddy Companion:
1920
1924
more human against lefties. He typically batted third in the order and rarely struck out.
Candy Jim Taylor- 3b
Career:
1909 to 1929
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
ST. LOUIS STARS
Hal's Scouting Report: Ben's brother, Candy Jim, was an outstanding third baseman during the early years of the Negro Leagues.
He was a good defensive player and had more speed than Ben. Showed some power with St. Louis.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "A quick-thinking third baseman, a pretty good hitter in the years before the league was organized."
-- Bill James in The New Bill James Historical Baseball Encyclopedia
Strat-O-Matic Insider: A righty, Taylor handled both lefty and righty pitching with
Caddy Companion:
1920
equal ability. Slightly less patient at the plate, he'd strike out more often than brother Ben Taylor.
Cristobal Torriente- cf
Career:
1913 to 1928
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
1924
Hal's Scouting Report: Torriente is the all-time leading hitter in Cuban League history -- and was a stone-cold superstar in the Negro
Leagues. Often among the offensive league leaders despite playing in an abysmal hitters park in Chicago.
Hall of Fame? YES
2006
The Quote: "He's a tremendous hitter. He puts his shoulders behind every drive and how the old ball sails when he lands
on it! I found it quite a task to get the ball by him." -- Jeff Pfeffer, MLB pitcher
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Hit .352 in Cuba, .355 during his prime in the U.S. Right-handed
Caddy Companion:
1920
pitchers had a difficult time getting him out. Lefties fared much better against the left-handed Torriente.
Ted Trent- p
Career:
1927 to 1939
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
1924
ST. LOUIS STARS
Hal's Scouting Report: Ted "Big Florida" Trent was a tall, lanky right-hander with a Grade A curve ball. Trent was the ace of several
great St. Louis Stars teams in the late 1920s and early '30s, and started two East-West All-Star games.
Hall of Fame? NO
(FOUR ALL-STAR TEAMS)
The Quote: "One of the best curve ball pitchers that ever lived." -- teammate Ted (Double Duty) Radcliffe
Strat-O-Matic Insider: He accomplished much, despite pitching in an extreme hitter's
Caddy Companion:
park. Very tough on right-handed batters. Only so-so defensively while on the mound.
1927
1934
Quincy Trouppe- c
Career:
1930 to 1949
Batted: Both
Threw: Right
CLEVELAND BUCKEYES
Hal's Scouting Report: If the Majors had been integrated in the 1930s, switch-hitting catcher Quincy Trouppe would have started
somewhere. He was a solid defensive catcher, and a smart and patient hitter with some pop.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "He was terrific! My gosh! How they kept him out of the Major Leagues, I never could understand."
-- teammate Joe Desiderato (white) who played semi-pro ball with Trouppe and Satchel Paige in the 1930s.
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Trouppe played in Mexico during the same era as Roy
Caddy Companion:
1941
1948
Campanella. Trouppe had better offensive numbers across the board compared to the future Hall of Famer.
Frank Warfield- 2b
Career:
1915 to 1932
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
HILLDALE DAISIES
Hal's Scouting Report: A speedy defensive wizard who maximized his skills at the plate, making himself into an effective offensive
player as well, Warfield was an extremely fierce competitor, nicknamed the 'Weasel' by teammates.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "Frank Warfield was an aggressive, smart second baseman and a fair right-handed hitter."
-- Robert Peterson, in Only the Ball Was White
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Versatile infielder, most comfortable at second base. Warfield
Caddy Companion:
1920
1924
a really tough hitter against lefties, much more pedestrian vs. righties. Could also play some OF. Great speed.
Willie Wells- ss
Career:
1924 to 1949
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
ST. LOUIS STARS
Hal's Scouting Report: Hall of Famer Willie Wells was considered the top shortstop in blackball during the 1920s and '30s. Despite
a weak arm, he used a quick release to nab runners at will. EVERYBODY who saw him was in awe.
Hall of Fame? YES
1997
Cuban HOF
The Quote: "Wells had good hands, great range, and he could get rid of the ball as quickly as Rizzuto."
-- Larry Doby, Hall of Famer
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Line-drive hitter who took advantage of St. Louis' short left field
Caddy Companion:
1927
1934
wall to rack up homers, much like Mel Ott rang up big totals in the Polo Grounds. A legitimate super star.
Chaney White- cf
Career:
1919 to 1936
Batted: Right
Threw: Left
BACHARACH GIANTS
Hal's Scouting Report: Big guy with surprising speed. John Henry Lloyd selected Chaney White for one of his all-time teams during
a 1953 newspaper story. He was an aggressive base-runner who slid "spikes high."
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "He was built like King Kong, but ran like Jesse Owens." -- anonymous Negro League opponent
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Chaney didn't have any marked weaknesses at the plate,
Caddy Companion:
1924
although he struck out at a slightly higher rate than league average. Had a terrible throwing arm.
Frank Wickware- p
Career:
1910 to 1925
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
1927
Hal's Scouting Report: Deadball Era star. The Chicago Cubs refused to play an in-season exhibition against a well-known white
semi-pro team when they learned Wickware would start. Had a great fastball.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "Cannonball Redding and others of days gone by had plenty of speed, but Frank Wickware was
Strat-O-Matic
recognized as the king until Leroy (Satchel) Paige arrived on the scene a few years ago"
-- Russell J. Cowans, Chicago Defender columnist, 1930
Insider: Wickware was trouble with a capital T against righties, but
Caddy Companion:
1911
struggled against left-handed batters. He did not hold runners on base very well.
1920
Smokey Joe Williams- p
Career:
1910 to 1932
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: Along with Satchel Paige, Smokey Joe Williams is considered one of the top two pitchers of all-time from the
blackball annals. The prime of his career was from 1910-19, prior to the organization of the Negro Leagues.
Hall of Fame? YES
1999
Cuban HOF
The Quote: "You take a guy like Cyclone Joe Williams. When you get a guy who can throw that fastball, you don't step
into it. You have to have a little respect when you're facing guys like that." -- Hall of Famer Frankie Frisch
Strat-O-Matic Insider: It was a nightmare to hit against Joe Williams, and right-handed
Caddy Companion:
1911
1920
batters fared poorly during his prime. If somebody DID get on base, Joe couldn't stop them from running.
Tom Williams- p
Career:
1916 to 1925
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: Tom Williams is a forgotten star from the early days of the Negro Leagues. A righty, Williams pitched well
for Rube Foster's great American Giants teams, and was often used in long relief between starts.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "Williams was the perfect pitching machine and could throw through the eye of a needle."
-- Rube Foster, Williams' manager in Chicago
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Williams was tough on righties, and was said to have an
Caddy Companion:
excellent pick-off move. The SOM stat package backs up the oral tradition.
Jud Wilson- 1b/3b
Career:
1922 to 1945
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
1920
1924
BALTIMORE BLACK SOX
Hal's Scouting Report: Hall of Famer Jud Wilson was a ferocious hitter and an atrocious fielder. Plus, if you so much as looked at
him the wrong way he was liable to punch you in the nose. One of the greatest hitters (black or white) ever.
Hall of Fame? YES
2006
Cuban HOF
The Quote: "He was not a good third baseman, but he could play enough third base not to hurt you, and he could hit
everything in sight!" -- Negro Leaguer Jimmie Crutchfield, in Robert Peterson's Only the Ball Was White
Strat-O-Matic Insider: He blistered any and all pitchers, didn't matter if they were left-
Caddy Companion:
handed or right. Could "play" seven different positions -- none of them very well.
Nip Winters- p
Career:
1920 to 1933
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
1927
1934
HILLDALE DAISIES
Hal's Scouting Report: Nip Winters was one of the best left-handers in the East during the 1920s, and the anchor of the Hilldale
pitching staff during their glory years. Had a good fastball and solid breaking ball.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "Tall, left-handed Nip Winters is considered by many the best pitcher of the Eastern Colored League. His
Strat-O-Matic
Wild Bill Wright- rf
lights-out pitch was not his fastball but an outstanding curve."
-- historian/author Lawrence D. Hogan, in Shades of Glory
Insider: Extreme groundball pitcher who held his own against lefty or
Caddy Companion:
1924
1927
right-handed hitters. Uncorked a few wild pitches and had a less-than-average move to first base.
Career:
1932 to 1945
Batted: Both
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: Wright was a big, fast man: The 6'4" switch-hitter had power and a strong, but erratic arm. He was said to
have circled the bases in 13.2 seconds. Supposedly batted .371 in exhibitions vs. MLB pitchers.
Hall of Fame? NO
Mexican HOF
The Quote: "Bill Wright was a switch-hitter but was big and strong and could run like a deer, similar to the present-day
Dave Parker." -- Hall of Famer Monte Irvin
Strat-O-Matic Insider: HR numbers were kept down by big home ballparks. Very good
Caddy Companion:
defensive player at all three OF positions. Creamed all pitchers, but clobbered lefties.
1934
1941
T.J. Young- c
Career:
1925 to 1941
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
Hal's Scouting Report: Thomas Jefferson (T.J.) Young had a long and distinguished career with the KC Monarchs, the "New York
Yankees" of the Negro Leagues. He often split time with other catchers, such as Frank Duncan.
Hall of Fame? NO
The Quote: "T.J. Young hit a home run off of me. They didn't have any walls at the park and the ball just kept going and
going and going. He had some kind of power, and a great throwing arm, too." -- Elden Auker, MLB Pitcher
Strat-O-Matic Insider: Because KC often had two quality catchers, Young (a lefty) would
Caddy Companion:
1927
1934
often be used against right-handed pitching in a platoon-like role during his prime. But he could hit lefties.
22332 Negro League AllStar Guidebook:Layout 1
6/3/09
5:22 PM
Page 1

Strat-O-Matic Negro League All

Transcription

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