THE NEGRO LEAGUE PLAYERS
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It is important to consider, when attempting
to project how long-past and more recent major league players would
fare against each other, that the major leaguers prior to 1947 faced
watered-down competition, as black players were barred from the major
leagues by the ungentlemanly “gentleman’s agreement” dating back
to the 19th century. The 2005 ESPN Baseball Encyclopedia,
edited by Pete Palmer and Gary Gillette, estimates that had the black
leagues and the white leagues been merged into a 30-team major league
during the first half of the 20th century, an average black
team during this period would have had 14 major league caliber players
on its roster, 7 of whom could have been major league regulars and 3
of whom could have been stars. What the level of play would have been,
had blacks been able to compete on (more or less) even terms for spots
in the 16-team major leagues during this period, one can only surmise.
Major league baseball, more than any
other sport, has an historic record, and the skills of its players are
amenable to measurement on the basis of statistics derived from that
record. Moreover, that statistical record is growing in depth and sophistication
daily through reexamination and analysis. By contrast, the statistical
record for the Negro Leagues isn’t nearly as complete, nor as stable,
because the leagues themselves weren’t as stable as the major leagues.
Players moved more freely from team to team. Negro League schedules
were much shorter, with teams deriving a much more substantial proportion
of their income from non-league exhibitions against all levels of competition
from barnstorming collections of major league players to local semi-pro
outfits. Much of the historical record, in the form of score sheets
and box scores, has been lost, and that which remains lacks much of
the detail of major league records.
When it was first proposed that the superstars
of Negro League baseball be inducted into the National Baseball Hall
of Fame, the original plan was that there would be a separate wing for
these players. The outcry against this plan – that it would enshrine
the injustice perpetuated against these players – resulted in its
abandonment. Recently, the results of a ballot to consider the
admission of 30 more Negro League and 9 pre-Negro League players, managers
and executives were announced,
with 12 more players and 5 executives (including the first woman to
be admitted to the Hall, team owner Effa Manley)
joining the 18 already enshrined.
We believe that the Diamond
Mind Online® career-based player
pool would be incomplete if it omitted Negro League players who were
unjustly excluded from playing in the major leagues. The problem was
to determine how these players would have performed relative to white
major leaguers. The approach that we took was to ascertain the type
of player each one was, in terms of ability, style, and physical attributes.
Four elements were combined to develop
a composite picture of each player:
- Descriptions of the player
from available sources.
- Major League players with
whom the player was compared.
- Other Negro League players
with whom the player was compared.
- The statistical record, sketchy
as it is.
There often are discrepancies between
sources about such fundamental details as the proper spelling of a player’s
name, the player’s height and weight, and even their handedness. The
details below resolve any such discrepancies on the basis of a comparison
of the information provided in the various sources examined.
Baseball underwent a period of transition
from 1947, as Negro League players shifted to the white leagues, with
some reaching the majors relatively early in their careers (for example,
Larry Doby at 23 and Roy Campanella at 26), some well into their prime
years (such as Monte Irvin at 31, Sam Jethroe at 32 and Luke Easter
at 34) and others past their primes (like Satchel Paige, 41). In our
view, players in the second category should not necessarily be measured
solely on their major league statistics, and players in the third category
not at all.
The initial group of Negro Leaguers included
in our player pool omits many outstanding players, some of whom, like
William Bell, Andy Cooper (who was elected for admission) and Roy Parnell,
even appeared on the Hall of Fame special ballot. These three players
have now been added, and we anticipate adding more Negro League players
to the player pool in the future.
The following is a list of the Negro
League players currently included in the Diamond Mind Online® player pool
and a description of each.
Player
– Primary Position(s) (Secondary Positions) B/T Height Weight (Career
Yrs Negro Leagues)
^ = Player admitted to National Baseball Hall of Fame; * = Player on Hall of Fame special ballot.
Newt Allen*
– 2B (SS, OF) R/R 5’ 8” 160 (1922-44)
Generally described as top fielding 2B
of his era, extremely quick with a shortstop’s arm. Line-drive hitter,
good bunter, aggressive baserunner. Good bat control, an ideal #2 hitter.
Compared by Bill James to Tony Taylor, Manny Trillo, Julian Javier,
Cookie Rojas and Frank White. Some sources have Allen as a switch-hitter,
but Riley says best evidence is that he abandoned switch-hitting early
in his career.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/A/Allen_Newt.stm
Sam Bankhead
– SS (OF, 2B, 3B) R/R 5’ 8” 175 (1930-50)
Strong-armed SS who also played 2B and
OF. Good speed, proficient base-stealer, moderate power, but best known
for his cannon arm. Described as “steady” at bat and in the field.
Appeared in Negro League All-Star games at five different positions
(best position besides SS reputedly RF).
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/B/Bankhead_Sam.stm
John Beckwith*
– 3B/SS (C, 1B, OF) R/R 6’ 3” 220 (1916-38)
A right-handed power hitter built like
Bobby Bonilla, who pulled the ball so consistently that teams played
a shift against him. Prodigious power. First player to hit a ball completely
out of Redland Field. No true position.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/B/Beckwith_John.stm
Cool Papa Bell^
– CF S/L 5’ 11” 150 (1922-46)
Legendary speed and base-stealing ability.
Negro Leagues historian James Riley says he was the fastest man ever
to play baseball. Reputedly timed circling the bases in just 12 seconds.
Began as pitcher, shifted to outfield after arm injury. Never had strong
throwing arm as a result. Described by Bill James as a Lou Brock-type
player, but better, and a certain 3,000 career hit man had he played
in the majors. Brock would have had more power than Bell, but Bell’s
incredible speed produced a lot of extra-base hits and no doubt some
inside-the-park HRs. Reputedly had outstanding range in CF.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=bell_cool_papa
William Bell*
– P R/R 5’ 11” 160 (1923-37)
Consistent workhorse with excellent control.
Decent hitter, adequate fielder, slow baserunner.
http://www.coe.ksu.edu/nlbemuseum/history/players/bellwsr.html
Gene Benson
– CF L/L 5’ 8” 180 (1933-49)
Described by Bill James as a Tony Gwynn
type: short, squat, line-drive hitter (though probably not in Gwynn’s
class). Bad ball slap-type LH hitter who reputedly hit lefties better
than righties. Most sources identify him as a CF who may have passed
on the basket catch to Willie Mays, though James calls him a good LF
who played some CF.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/B/Benson_Gene.stm
Chet Brewer*
– P S/R 6’ 4” 185 (1925-48)
Finesse pitcher with good control, retentive
memory and assortment of pitches: running fastball, sweeping curve,
overhand drop, sinker, screwball, emery ball. Contemporary of Paige
good enough to draw “as good as” comparisons, though he was probably
not quite in Satchel’s league.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/B/Brewer_Chet.stm
Dave Brown
– P L/L 5’ 10” 170 (1918-25)
Power pitcher with good curve and control
whose relatively short “official” career began when Rube Foster
paid $20,000 to get him paroled from a robbery conviction and ended
when he dropped out of sight after allegedly killing someone. If John
Donaldson was the top lefty pitcher of the Negro Leagues in the 1920s,
Brown may have been next on the list.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=brown_dave
Larry Brown
– C S/R 5’ 7” 170 (1919-49)
Rifle-armed iron man defensive catcher
compared by Bill James to Benito Santiago, Tony Pena and Jim Sundberg,
but probably not as good a hitter as they were. According to Kyle McNary
he “could hardly hit a lick.”
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/B/Brown_Larry.stm
Ray Brown^*
– P (OF) S/R 6’ 1” 195 (1930-48)
Outstanding pitch was curve. Added knuckler
later in career. Compared by McNary to Bert Blyleven, though among his
contemporaries Ted Lyons might be comparable as well. Good hitter who
often pinch-hit and filled in as OF.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=ray_brown
Willard Brown^*
– CF/RF R/R 6’ 0” 195 (1935-50)
A five-tool player with a reputation
of not hustling at times, who had a brief shot with the Browns in 1947
at age 36. Free-swinging, notorious bad-ball hitter. Compared by James
to Jose Canseco, Juan Gonzalez, Andre Dawson or Frank Robinson.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/B/Brown_Willard.stm
Pee Wee Butts
– SS R/R 5’ 7” 145 (1938-50)
Formed top DP combo of his era with Junior
Gilliam. Spray hitter with modest power for size, good bunter and hit-and-run
man. Based on James Riley’s description, his Baseball Library bio
probably overstates his hitting ability.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/B/Butts_Pee_Wee.stm.
Bill Byrd*
– P S/R 6’ 1” 210 (1932-50)
Not an overpowering pitcher, he was the
type of pitcher who put the ball in play, with variety of pitches including
spitter and knuckler. Often used as PH and fill-in OF/1B; decent power
but very slow baserunner.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/B/Byrd_Bill.stm
Tank Carr
– 1B (3B/OF) S/R 6’ 2” 230 (1917-34)
Stockily built middle-of-the-order hitter
with power and triples speed, good base-stealer. Career purportedly
cut short by drinking problem.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/C/Carr_George.stm.
Pelayo Chacon
– SS R/R 5’ 8” 140 (1909-31)
Speedy slap-hitting defensive whiz. Outstanding
arm, good base-stealer, smart baserunner, little power but used speed
to stretch hits into doubles, good bat control and hit-and-run man.
Oscar Charleston^
– CF L/L 6’ 0” 190 (1915-41)
Bill James ranks Charleston the fourth
best player all time after Ruth, Wagner and Mays. Very fast, aggressive
baserunner, excellent drag bunter, compared to Speaker in his ability
to play a shallow CF and still get back on balls hit deep. Hit with
power to all fields, though perhaps less a pure HR threat than Mays.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=charleston_oscar
Andy Cooper^*
– P R/L 6’ 2” 220 (1920-41)
Finesse pitcher who had excellent control
of an assortment of breaking pitches. Noted for superb move to first.
http://www.coe.ksu.edu/nlbemuseum/history/players/cooper.html
Jimmie Crutchfield
– CF/RF L/R 5’ 7” 150 (1930-45)
Speedy contact hitter, good bunter and
hit-and-run man and good outfielder; compared contemporaneously to Lloyd
Waner, though probably not quite the hitter Waner was. Some sources
mistakenly say he was a right-handed hitter.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmie_Crutchfield
Ray Dandridge^
– 3B (SS) R/R 5’ 7” 175 (1933-49)
Super defensive 3B who could have played
SS if not on the same team with Willie Wells. Fast, terrific spray hitter
to all fields, seldom struck out, great at hit-and-run, not a power
hitter but regularly led league in hits, runs and total bases.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=dandridge_ray
Cherokee Davis
– RF R/R 6’ 3” 215 (1941-50)
Big, good-natured pull hitter who had
trouble hitting the curve and was a slow baserunner but a decent glove
man. Had some success as a part-time pitcher in winter ball but was
basically an OF in Negro Leagues. At 33 was targeted by White Sox but
broken ankle cost him the opportunity.
Leon Day^
– P (OF/2B) R/R 5’ 9” 170 (1934-50)
Hard-throwing no wind-up pitcher with
variety of pitches. Compared by Monte Irvin to Bob Gibson, though that
may have been a bit of an overstatement. Hall of Famer who reputedly
won 75% of his games and averaged over a strikeout per inning during
his Negro League prime. Excellent hitter with power, very fast (Irvin
claimed Day was faster than he was) and a good defensive OF and 2B as
well.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=day_leon
Bingo DeMoss
– 2B (SS) R/R 6’ 2” 180 (1910-30)
Moved from SS after arm injury early
in his career. Stellar defensively, fast, excellent bunter and hit-and-run
man who was difficult to strike out, productive line drive hitter. Riley
considered him the top black second baseman of the first quarter of
the 20th century.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=demoss_bingo
Martin Dihigo^
– P/RF/2B/3B/CF/1B 6’ 4” 195 (1923-45)
Probably the greatest “all-round”
player ever. An excellent defensive player at virtually any position
(though the positions for which he has received particular recognition
are 2B, 3B and RF), outstanding pitcher, terrific hitter for average
and power, and fast runner. He actually pitched relatively little until
around age 30, well into his career. Thereafter he continued to play
in the field, though his focus turned increasingly to pitching as his
hitting started to fall off, a likely result of the difficulty of alternating
regularly between the starting rotation and the starting lineup.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=martin_dihigo
Dizzy Dismukes
– P R/R 5’ 10” 160 (Estimate) (1910-30)
A submariner who reputedly coached Carl
Mays, though probably closer to Elden Auker than Mays in ability.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/D/Dismukes_Dizzy.stm
Rap Dixon*
– RF R/R 6’ 2” 185 (1922-37)
Power-hitting RF with good speed and
a strong arm. A “five-tool” type, decent range in field, good curveball
and two-strike hitter who did not walk a lot. Hit 3 HR in first Negro
League game played in Yankee Stadium.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/D/Dixon_Rap.stm
John Donaldson*
– P (OF) L/L 6’ 0” 185 (1913-34)
Strikeout pitcher with sharp-breaking
curve and good control. Pop Lloyd said Donaldson was the toughest pitcher
he ever faced, and John McGraw said he would have paid $50,000 for Donaldson
(a huge figure at the time). Good hitter who also played some OF, good
bunter, speedy baserunner.
http://www.coe.ksu.edu/nlbemuseum/history/players/donaldson.html
Bill Drake
– P R/R 6’ 0” 205 (1915-30)
Trick-pitch artist known as Big Bill
or “Plunk” (for his practice of keeping hitters loose at the plate).
He developed an assortment of pitches to compensate for a sore arm that
took his fastball.
http://www.nlbpa.com/drake_bill.html
Frank Duncan
– C (OF) R/R 6’ 0” 175 (1909-28)
Compared to Larry Brown by Kyle McNary;
defense so good that teams overlooked weak hitting. Rifle arm, moderate
power, low BA, aggressive but slow baserunner, good bunter.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/D/Duncan_Frank.stm
Eddie Dwight
– CF, LF R/R 5’ 8” 165 (1925-37)
Contact hitter without power, good bunter,
speed and base stealing ability compared to Cool Papa Bell. Reputedly
a spectacular outfielder, but with an ordinary arm. His son was
first black selected by NASA for astronaut training and later gained
prominence as a sculptor.
http://www.coe.ksu.edu/nlbemuseum/history/players/dwight.html
Rube Foster^
– P R/R 6’ 2” 200 (1902-26)
In his transition from star pitcher to
founder of the Negro National League, Foster could be dubbed the Black
Spalding. A very intelligent pitcher. Mistakenly credited with teaching
Mathewson his famous “fade-away”.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=foster_rube
Willie Foster^
– P S/L 6’ 1” 195 (1923-38)
Half-brother of Rube Foster. Seen by
some as greatest Negro Leagues lefthander, compared by Kyle McNary to
Warren Spahn. Fastball, “12-6” curve, deceptive change, good control.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=willie_foster
Jonas Gaines
– P R/L 5’ 9” 158 (1937-50)
Diminutive control-type lefty.
Fair hitter and base runner. Long regarded as a major league prospect,
he lost three seasons to military service during WWII and was 33 by
the time integration began in 1947. In 1953 he was one of the
first Americans to play in Japan.
http://www.pitchblackbaseball.com/nlotmjonasgaines.html
Silvio Garcia
– SS (3B/P) R/R 5’ 11” 190 (1940-47)
Tommy Lasorda described Garcia as one
of the toughest hitters he ever pitched against; Leo Durocher said he
was better defensively than Marty Marion. Complete player with a little
power.
http://www.nlbpa.com/garcia__silvio.html
Jelly Gardner
– RF/CF L/R 5’ 7” 160 (1919-33)
Very fast line-drive-hitting leadoff
man, punch hitter, good drag bunter, could work a walk, lots of “leg
hits”, very fast baserunner adept at taking extra bases on bunts and
hit-and-run plays. Some difficulty with lefty pitching. Rangy outfielder
with powerful throwing arm.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/G/Gardner_Jelly.stm
Josh Gibson^
– C R/R 6’ 1” 210 (1929-46)
Bill James says there is little doubt
he was the greatest catcher in the history of baseball. Compares him
as a hitter to Jimmie Foxx. Good but not great defensive catcher. Fast
for a big man until knee problems took their toll.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=gibson_josh
George Giles
– 1B L/L 6’ 1” 180 (1927-39)
Sometimes called the “Black Bill Terry,”
described by James as a left-handed Buck O’Neil (who he in turn describes
as a right-handed Mark Grace/Mickey Vernon-type player). Fast baserunner,
good bunter and hit-and-run man, open-stance slasher to all fields.
Top-notch defensive 1B whose speed allowed him to play very deep and
extend his range into short RF.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/G/Giles_George.stm
Frank Grant^*
– 2B R/R 5’ 7” 155 (1886-1905)
Known as the “Black Dunlap” for his
fielding prowess. Played for Buffalo in the International League until
the color line was firmly established. One-fourth of his IL hits were
for extra bases.
http://www.coe.ksu.edu/nlbemuseum/history/players/grantf.html
Joe Greene
– C R/R 6’ 1” 200 (1932-48)
Strikeout-prone power-hitting catcher
with strong arm, solid but unspectacular defensive skills and no speed.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/G/Greene_Joe.stm
Vic Harris
– LF L/R 5’ 10” 170 (1923-50)
Leadoff man with little power, aggressive
baserunner, short stroke made him good hit-and-run man, reputed weakness
for high fastballs. A hustling type and a good outfielder.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/H/Harris_Vic.stm
Rats Henderson
– P R/R 5’ 7” 180 (1923-31)
Stocky sidearm power pitcher with fastball
and 12-6 curve. Career cut short by bad arm.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=henderson_arthur
Pete Hill^*
– LF L/R 6’ 1” 220 (1899-1926)
Consistent line-drive hitter often compared
to Cobb, though Bill James says probably more comparable in style, if
not quality, to Crawford. He was a speedy, disruptive base-stealer and
very rangy outfielder with strong arm.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=hill_pete
Bill Holland
– P S/R 5’ 9” 180 (1920-41)
Mainstay of NY Black Yankees in ‘30s.
First black pitcher to pitch in Yankee Stadium. Array of pitches including
emery ball. Apart from his pitching Riley says he was at best mediocre
in other aspects of his game: an average fielder and a below-average
hitter and baserunner.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/H/Holland_Bill.stm
Highpockets Hudspeth
– 1B L/L 6’ 6” 235 (1920-33)
Power hitter, didn’t run well, good
fielder though had some trouble with low throws. After a few very good
seasons his hitting dropped off.
Sammy T. Hughes*
– 2B R/R 6” 3” 190 (1931-46)
Bill James describes him as a Ryne Sandberg
type at 2B, though physically more comparable to Barry Larkin. According
to Riley, he had doubles power but not a consistent HR threat. Perfect
no. 2 hitter, excellent baserunner, very good fielder.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=hughes_sammy
Fats Jenkins*
– CF L/L 5’ 7” 180 (1920-40)
Speedy contact hitter, good base-stealer,
star point guard in off-season. Rangy fielder but ordinary arm.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=jenkins_clarence
Home Run Johnson*
– SS (2B) R/R 5’ 10” 170 (1895-1916)
Deadball era power-hitting shortstop
who played professionally until age 58. Reputedly out-hit Cobb and Crawford
in a 12-game series in Cuba in 1910 when he was playing for the Havana
Reds. Could hit for average and some power; a selective hitter who studied
pitchers and used extremely heavy bat.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=homerun_johnson
Judy Johnson^
– 3B R/R 5’ 11” 150 (1918-37)
Intelligent player, high-average hitter,
top-notch fielder. Bill James compares him to Ray Dandridge only not
as fast.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=judy_johnson
Slim Jones
– P L/L 6’ 6” 185 (1932-38)
Reputedly faster than Lefty Grove, Jones
was a dominant strikeout pitcher until arm trouble ended his career
after just a few seasons. Gave up Josh Gibson’s legendary HR hit out
of Yankee Stadium. Defeated Dizzy Dean and the ‘34 Cards in a post-season
exhibition.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=jones_stuart
Newt Joseph
– 3B R/R 5’ 6” 185 (1922-39)
Stocky build, faster and with more power
than Judy Johnson but not the batting average or glove. Lower-order
batsman. James Riley says he had a good arm but not good hands, had
trouble with sharply-hit balls but good on toppers and bunts.
http://www.coe.ksu.edu/nlbemuseum/history/players/joseph.html
Jumbo Kimbro
– CF L/R 5’ 8” 175 (1937-50)
Leadoff hitter, combined speed and power,
good glove. Compared to Marquis Grissom.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/K/Kimbro_Henry.stm
Buck Leonard^
– 1B L/L 5’ 10” 185 (1933-50)
Hit for average and power, though more
line-drive than tape-measure power. Very hard to strike out, with a
short stroke Bill James compares to Henry Aaron. Reputation as a clutch
performer. Slick fielder, good speed, references to him as the “Black
Lou Gehrig” probably are indicative more of the fact that they were
the standout players at the same position than that they had similar
skills. Ranked by Bill James as the 65th
best player all-time.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=leonard_buck
Pop Lloyd^
– SS L/R 5’ 11” 180 (1902-32)
The “Black Wagner”, reputedly admired
by Wagner himself. Hit .500 in exhibition series in Cuba against the
Detroit Tigers. Some unfairly accuse James Riley of lauding every Negro
Leagues player as a superstar, which he doesn’t. However, about Lloyd
he states unequivocally that he was the greatest shortstop of his era
and that no major leaguer, bar Wagner in his prime, could compare with
him. Bill James ranks Lloyd the 27th
greatest player of all time.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=lloyd_john
Dick Lundy*
– SS S/R 5’ 11” 180 (1916-39)
Rangy SS who James says was probably
superior to Pop Lloyd defensively. Very strong arm allowed him to play
deep SS. Steady hitter with some power, base-stealing threat. Compared
by Satchel Paige to Lou Boudreau.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/L/Lundy_Dick.stm
Jimmie Lyons
– LF/CF L/R 5’ 8” 175 (1910-25)
Slap-hitting drag-bunting lead-off man,
reputedly one of the fastest players of his era, top-notch fielder and
base-stealer.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/L/Lyons_Jimmy.stm
Biz Mackey^*
– C S/R 6’ 0” 200 (1920-47)
Dangerous switch-hitter and premier Negro
Leagues defensive catcher. Rifle arm, fired snap throws from squat position.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=mackey_biz
Dave Malarcher
– 3B (2B/OF) S/R 5’ 7” 145 (1916-34)
Decent hitter, could bunt, hit-and-run,
work a walk, but most of his value was in his head, legs and glove.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/M/Malarcher_Dave.stm
Max Manning
– P L/R 6’ 4” 180 (1938-49)
Imposing strikeout pitcher with “coke
bottle” glasses and enough wildness to keep batters loose. Sidearmer,
reputedly had more trouble with punch hitters than sluggers. Never the
same after arm injury.
http://www.nlbpa.com/manning__max.html
Oliver Marcelle*
– 3B R/R 5’ 9” 160 (1918-34)
Fiery defensive whiz. Not as good a hitter
as Ray Dandridge or Judy Johnson, but the latter rated Marcelle better
than he was defensively. Picked ahead of both on 1952 Pittsburgh
Courier all-time Negro Leagues team, as well as by Pop Lloyd. Slash
hitter, speedy, aggressive.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=marcelle_oliver
Verdell Mathis
– P (RF, LF, 1B) L/L 5’ 11’ 150 (1940-50)
Slender curveballer was tough competitor
considered the best lefty in the Negro American League in the early
40’s. Top pickoff move copied from Luis Tiant, Sr. Good
hitter who began his career as an outfielder and often played OF or
1B when not pitching. Career cut short by elbow injury.
http://www.pitchblackbaseball.com/nlotmverdell.html
Leroy Matlock
– P L/L 5’ 9” 175 (1929-42)
Reputedly went 17-0 in 1935, in all winning
26 straight from 1934-36 and leading the league in ERA in ‘35 and
‘36. Variety of breaking pitches, fastball and change, good control.
The Neyer/James Guide to Pitchers describes him as “famously tough”
on LH hitters. Good-hitting pitcher, average power and speed on bases,
good fielder.
http://www.pitchblackbaseball.com/nlotmleroymatlock.html
Webster McDonald
– P L/R 6’ 0” 190 (1920-40)
Dizzy Dismukes taught him submarine delivery.
Was dubbed “56 Varieties” for his style of mixing his pitches.
Spent several prime seasons of his career pitching for a white semipro
team in Minnesota. Compiled 14-4 record in exhibitions against
major leaguers, including four wins over Dizzy Dean in 1934-35.
Difficulty fielding bunts.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Webster_McDonald
Terris McDuffie
– P (OF) R/R 6’ 1” 200 (1930-45)
Flashy and confident, went by “Speed”
(though not a power pitcher) and “Terris the Great”. Could be a
bit wild. Began career as fast base-stealing outfielder, but didn’t
hit enough and shifted to pitching.
http://www.nlbpa.com/mcduffie__terris.html
Hurley McNair
– LF S/R 5’ 6” 150 (1911-37)
Speedy outfielder reputedly the best
two-strike hitter in the Negro Leagues. Despite size led Monarchs in
HRs one season.
http://www.coe.ksu.edu/nlbemuseum/history/players/mcnair.html
Jose Mendez^*
– P (SS) R/R 5’ 8” 160 (1908-26)
Dominant power pitcher from the deadball
era whom McGraw said was surpassed only by Mathewson and Three-Finger
Brown. Later in his career he was full-time shortstop player-manager
and occasional pitcher.
http://www.coe.ksu.edu/nlbemuseum/history/players/mendez.html
Bill Monroe
– 2B (3B/SS) R/R [unknown] (1896-1914)
Outstanding black 2B of deadball era.
Called by Rube Foster greatest player ever. Acknowledged by McGraw as
top player. Fast, flashy fielder, middle-of-the-order batsman. Reputedly
better than Jimmy Collins when playing 3B.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/M/Monroe_Bill.stm
Dobie Moore*
– SS R/R 5’ 11” 230 (Estimate) (1920-26)
Strong-armed high-average hitter who
Bill James says was “probably the best 230-pound shortstop in baseball
history” (and who is listed at 230 by Riley, although photo evidence
suggests that, while he was of stocky build, he was nowhere near that
heavy). Career cut short when his leg was shattered in a shooting incident.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/cgi-bin/jump.cgi?term=dobie+moore&source=ln
Porter Moss
– P R/R 5’ 11” 185 (1938-44)
Submarine style pitcher known as “Ankleball”
for ability to keep pitches low. While still in his prime for
Memphis Red Sox, was accidentally shot while team was traveling by train
through Tennessee. After being denied treatment at several stops
because he was black, was finally taken to hospital and operated on
12 hours after being shot, but died several hours later.
http://www.pitchblackbaseball.com/nlotmportermoss.html
Alejandro Oms*
– CF/RF L/L 5’ 9” 190 (1917-35)
Colorful player known for behind-the-back
catches and similar crowd-pleasing stunts. Consistent high-average hitter
with power compared by Bill James to Paul Waner, though was bigger,
probably hit for a bit less average but with more HR power, and probably
walked less than Waner. Good range but not a strong arm.
http://www.nlbpa.com/oms_alejandro.html
Buck O’Neil*
– 1B R/R 6’ 2” 190 (1937-55)
Graceful line-drive hitter for decent
average. Intelligent baserunner but only average speed. Top-notch glove
but only average arm. Not to be confused with Buck Leonard.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/O/ONeil_Buck.stm
Satchel Paige^
– P R/R 6’ 4” 180 (1926-50)
Legendary Hall-of-Famer rated by Bill
James the 17th best player all time (and the second-highest
ranking pitcher after Walter Johnson at #8 and ahead of Lefty Grove
at #19, Pete Alexander at #20, and Cy Young at #23).
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=paige_satchel
Roy Parnell*
– LF, RF R/R 5’ 10” 180 (1926-43)
All-rounder hit for average with moderate
power, good eye, good bunter. Ordinary speed but good baserunner. Dependable
fielder, good range but average arm. Reputed drinking problem.
http://www.coe.ksu.edu/nlbemuseum/history/players/parnell.html
Bill Perkins
– C (LF) R/R 5’ 11” 195 (1928-48)
Satchel Paige’s favorite catcher. Decent hitter with power, slow
runner. Backup to Josh Gibson and part-time LF for several seasons with
powerful Homestead Grays.
http://www.pitchblackbaseball.com/nlotmgbillperkins.html
Bruce Petway
– C S/R 5’ 11” 170 (1906-25)
Predecessor to Mackey as premier rifle-armed
black defensive catcher. Similar hitter for average, though without
power, and a base-stealing threat.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/P/Petway_Bruce.stm
Spotswood Poles*
– CF S/R 5’ 7” 165 (1909-23)
The so-called “Black Cobb”, presumably
because they shared a position and Poles, like Cobb, was a daring baserunner
and prolific base-stealer. High-average, singles-hitting leadoff man
(which distinguishes him from Cobb, who had more power). Speed compared
to Cool Papa Bell, reputedly once timed in less than 10 seconds in 100-yard
dash. Good bunter, only moderate power. Riley says he had excellent
range, good hands, accurate arm in field.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/P/Poles_Spot.stm
Alec Radcliffe
– 3B R/R 6’ 0” 205 (1932-46)
Brother of Double Duty, adequate fielder
with strong arm, average speed, good hitter for average with some power.
According to Riley not known for his hustle. Played in more East-West
All-Star games than any player other than Buck Leonard.
http://www.pitchblackbaseball.com/nlotmalecradcliffe.html
Double Duty Radcliffe
– C/P R/R 5’ 10” 190 (1928-50)
Still pitching and catching into his
50’s, hit for a solid average with some power, 6 All-Star appearances,
3 each as a catcher and pitcher. Key pitch was emery ball. Didn’t
run well. Well-liked and popular, he died in 2005 at age 103.
http://www.pitchblackbaseball.com/nlotmdoubleduty.html
Dick Redding*
– P R/R 6’ 4” 210 (1911-38)
Burly fastball pitcher, as nickname “Cannonball”
suggests. Noted for exceptional stamina, almost always pitching a complete
game and sometimes back-to-back doubleheaders.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=redding_cannonball
Frog Redus
– LF R/R 5’ 7” 160 (1924-40)
Speedy LF hit for average and surprising
power for size. Good contact hitter, could bunt and hit-and-run. Riley
says lacked good speed and was only average defensively, but was a successful
base-stealer. Possibly comparable to Gee Walker, although Redus was
a hustling-type player while Walker was a bit of a flake and inattentive
on the base paths. Redus also probably stole a bit less often and walked
a bit more often than Walker.
Bobbie Robinson
– 3B (SS) R/R 6’ 0” 170 (1925-42)
Noted mainly for his glove. Described by Riley as a mediocre hitter
with only fair power, average base runner and not a base stealer.
Claimed Donie Bush “told me more than once that if I was a white boy
I would have been his third baseman.”
http://www.pitchblackbaseball.com/nlombobbierobinson.html
Bullet Joe Rogan^
– P (OF) R/R 5’ 7” 180 (1917-38)
No-windup pitcher who added forkball,
palm ball and spitter to good fastball and sharp curve. Described by
Riley as a durable workhorse who was rarely relieved. Reputedly the
best-fielding pitcher in Negro League history. An excellent hitter who
often batted cleanup for the powerhouse KC Monarchs, three times leading
the team in HR and SB. Second only to Dihigo in versatility according
to Robert Peterson (Only the Ball Was White), played virtually
every position at one time or another and played them well, though not
as much as Dihigo.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=rogan_bullet
Louis Santop^*
– C L/R 6’ 4” 240 (1909-26)
Huge power-hitting superstar famed for
hitting tape-measure shots in dead ball era. Solid but unspectacular
defensively with limited mobility and strong arm.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=santop_louis
George Scales*
– 2B (3B/OF/SS/1B) R/R 5’ 11” 195 (1921-48)
RH hitter with power called the best
2B he’d ever seen by Quincy Trouppe and best at hitting a curve by
Buck Leonard. Strong arm, fast for a big man, compensated for limited
range with positioning. Called “Tubby” for tendency to put on weight.
Bill James compares him to Bill Madlock as a hitter, though might have
hit for more power and less average.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/S/Scales_George.stm
Dick Seay
– 2B/SS R/R 5’ 8” 150 (1925-47)
Light-hitting defensive specialist described
by James as “tiny jitterbug-type player.” Riley says he was considered
the best defensive 2B in black baseball during the ‘30s. Not great
speed. Interspersed a few decent seasons with the bat with some real
stinkers. Excellent bunter.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/S/Seay_Dick.stm
Bonnie Serrell
– 2B (3B) L/R 5’ 11” 160 (1942-50)
Slim, speedy LH hitter with some power,
called “the vacuum cleaner”. Good bunter, contact hitter, hit-and-run
man. Settled in Mexico in 1945 and was replaced by Jackie Robinson,
who was three years older and at the time not considered as good a player.
http://www.nlbpa.com/serrell__william.html
Chino Smith
– RF L/L 5’ 6” 170 (1925-31)
Second only to Josh Gibson as a hitter
according to Satchel Paige. Good defensive outfielder and baserunner.
Line drive power to all fields. Good eye and rarely struck out. Career
cut short when he died of yellow fever aged 29.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=smith_chino
Hilton Smith^
– P (1B/OF) R/R 6” 2” 180 (1932-48)
With Satchel Paige, black baseball’s
biggest drawing card and so called upon to pitch virtually every day.
Smith became best known as Paige’s relief pitcher during their years
as teammates. Reputed to have the best curve in black baseball. A good
hitter, he played 1B and OF when not pitching. Riley says he was no
more than adequate as an everyday player, with his arm and hustle helping
to compensate for a lack of speed and other defensive deficiencies.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=smith_hilton
Turkey Stearnes^
– CF/LF L/L 6’ 0” 175 (1923-42)
High-average leadoff man with very unorthodox
batting stance who could also hit with power. Rangy outfielder, good
base-stealer.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=turkey_stearnes
Paul Stephens
– SS (2B) R/R 5’ 7” 150 (1921-37)
A.k.a. “Country Jake.” Tiny
energetic player, acrobatic fielder, but a weak hitter.
http://www.nlbpa.com/stephens_jake.html
Ed Stone
– RF, LF, CF L/R 6’ 0” 195 (1931-50)
Hit between Devil Wells and Mule Suttles
in Newark Eagles middle order. Line drive type power with plate
patience. Good speed but not a base stealer. Competent fielder
best known for powerful throw.
http://www.pitchblackbaseball.com/nlotmedstone.html
Ted Strong
– RF (1B, SS) S/R 6’ 6” 210 (1937-48)
Hard-hitting outfielder, strong-armed
and versatile in the field, described by Bill James as a kind of switch-hitting
Dave Winfield. Played basketball as well for Globetrotters. Average
speed but good base-stealer. Free swinger, poor bunter.
http://www.pitchblackbaseball.com/nlotmtedstrong.html
Mule Suttles^*
– 1B/LF R/R 6’ 3” 215 (1918-44)
Defensively challenged slugging star
of black baseball. According to James, “Swung at everything and struck
out a lot, but hit prodigious home runs.”
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=suttles_mule
Ben Taylor^*
– 1B (P) L/L 6’ 1” 190 (1910-40)
Top black 1B before arrival of Buck Leonard.
High-average line-drive hitter, top-notch fielder. Was a solid pitcher
early in his career, but not really a two-way player as he made transition
to full-time 1B.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=taylor_ben
Clint Thomas
– CF/LF/RF R/R 5’ 8” 180 (1920-38)
Five-tool-type player of the 1920s and
‘30s. Good baserunner, outstanding range and arm, sharp eye at plate.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/T/Thomas_Clint.stm
Showboat Thomas
– 1B L/L 6’ 0” 180 (1928-46)
Razzle-dazzle fielder, inconsistent hitter
without much power. Despite great glove did not have good arm or speed.
http://www.pitchblackbaseball.com/nlomshowboat.html
Luis Tiant Sr
– P R/L 6’ 0” 160 (1930-47)
Sometimes called the “Cuban Carl Hubbell”
because of his screwball. A left-handed version of his son, he threw
a variety of pitches from different arm angles with a herky-jerky motion.
A mean streak and would throw at batters who dug in at the plate. Deceptive
pickoff move.
http://www.pitchblackbaseball.com/nlotmluistiant.html
Cristobel Torriente^*
– CF L/L 5’ 9” 190 (1913-28)
Hit vicious line drives, power to all
fields, fast. Notorious bad-ball hitter, good base-stealer. So good
in CF that Charleston played LF when they were teammates. Chosen ahead
of Hall of Famers Cool Papa Bell and Turkey Stearnes on 1952 Pittsburgh
Courier Negro Leagues all-time team. Similar perhaps to a L hitting
Kirby Puckett with more range in CF.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=torriente_cristobal
Ted Trent
– P R/R 6’ 3” 185 (1927-39)
Mainstay during late ‘20s and ‘30s
said to have struck out Bill Terry four times in an exhibition game.
Outstanding overhand curve. Needed extra rest between starts; was the
St. Louis Stars’ “Sunday pitcher”.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/T/Trent_Ted.stm
Quincy Trouppe
– C S/R 6’ 3” 210 (1930-49)
Solid defensive catcher with some power
from both sides of the plate, good curveball hitter, not much speed.
Got brief shot with Cleveland in 1952 at age 40.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/T/Trouppe_Quincy.stm
Frank Warfield
– 2B (SS/3B) R/R 5’ 7” 160 (1915-32)
Combative defensive wizard, great range,
very fast slap hitter. Outstanding bunter, good hit-and-run man, could
work a walk, steal a base.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/W/Warfield_Frank.stm
Willie Wells^
– SS R/R 5’ 8” 160 (1924-49)
Outstanding hitter with power, sure-handed
but weak-armed SS. Also a top base-stealer. Perhaps a cross between
Robin Yount and Barry Larkin. (On his list of 100 greatest players all-time,
Bill James ranks Yount #55, Wells #86 and Larkin #93.)
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=wells_willie
Chaney White
– LF/CF/RF R/L 5’ 10” 195 (1919-36)
Bill James calls him the Don Baylor of
the Negro Leagues, thought that might be a stretch. According to Larry
Brown, White was “built like King Kong, but ran like Jesse Owens.”
Good outfielder but weak arm. Aggressive hitter, baserunner, fielder.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/W/White_Chaney.stm
Frank Wickware
– P R/R 6’ 1” 210 (Estimate) (1910-25)
Hard-throwing deadball era star who won
two out of three exhibitions against Walter Johnson in 1913/14. Both
were from Coffeeville, Kansas. Given those facts, not surprisingly he
was sometimes called “the black Walter Johnson”. However, abuse
of alcohol adversely affected his career, preventing him from fulfilling
that potential.
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/W/Wickware_Frank.stm
Smokey Joe Williams^
– P R/R 6’ 4” 190 (1905-32)
Fast strikeout ace voted best Negro League
pitcher of all time in Pittsburgh Courier poll. Ty Cobb said
would have been a 30-game winner in major leagues. Went 20-7 in exhibitions
against major league teams. On his list of 100 greatest players all-time,
Bill James ranks Williams #52.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=williams_joe
Jud Wilson^*
– 3B (1B/2B) L/R 5’ 8” 185 (1922-45)
Powerful hitter, said by Satchel Paige
along with Chino Smith to be the toughest he’d faced. Weak defensively.
Riley calls him a “savage, pure hitter” who would have been an ideal
DH.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=wilson_jud
Nip Winters
– P L/L 6’ 5” 225 (1920-33)
Eastern League star during the 20’s
with good speed and great curve, somewhat wild especially early in career.
Occasionally pinch-hit and played some 1B when not pitching. Skills
eroded midway through his career, perhaps due to alcohol.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=winters_nip
Wild Bill Wright – RF/CF/LF S/R 6’ 4” 220 (1932-45)
Clean-up hitter for high average and
power with great speed as well. Compact swing, good contact hitter.
Adept at bunting for hits. Had seasons leading the league in BA, HR
and SB with one triple crown season. Rangy OF with strong but sometimes
inaccurate arm. Compared by Monte Irvin to Dave Parker.
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/mlb_negro_leagues_profile.jsp?player=wright_bill
