Bill Drake was a pitcher whose career spanned 1920-1927. He pitched for the St. Louis Giants, Kansas City Monarchs, Indianapolis ABCs, and Detroit Stars. “I barnstormed with Babe Ruth, he was one of the finest men I ever met. One day I said ‘Ruth, give a chew of tobacco, so […]
Clarence “Fats” Jenkins was a speedy outfielder, utilizing his gifts on the base paths as well as defensively. He was an outstanding athlete, playing for the Renaissance basketball team during the off-season. (He is a member of the basketball hall of fame.) “A smart, hustling ballplayer, he slapped the ball […]
Newt Joseph was a hard playing third baseman who got the most out of his abilities. “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 Newt […]
Chet Brewer had it all as a pitcher: finesse, control, power, multiple pitches, an emery ball, and a great memory. “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 His career spanned […]
Dobie Moore was an outstanding defensive shortstop and hitter who played his entire career for the Kansas City Monarchs. “Dobie may not have been as agile as some of them (other shortstops), but he had a rifle arm and made good plays.” George Sweatt (teammate) Moore was 5’11” and weighed […]
Jelly Gardner was a speedy leadoff hitter who was a great defensive outfielder with a good arm and outstanding range. “He could steal first base.” Cum Posey Gardner’s career spanned from 1919-1933. He played primarily with the Chicago American Giants, but also played for the Detroit Stars, New York Lincoln […]
Frank Duncan was a superb defensive catcher with a tremendous arm. Runners had a hard time stealing bases on him. He was an average hitter with little power. “He was an excellent catcher, and a good, but not devastating, right-handed hitter.” Robert Peterson, Only the Ball Was White Duncan’s career […]
Stuart “Slim” Jones had one of the best seasons for a pitcher in the Negro Leagues, but arm trouble and a battle with the bottle cut his career short. “Stuart (Slim) Jones, a towering lefthander with a blazing fastball, had a short, but impressive, career in bigtime baseball.” Author Robert […]
Charles “Chino” Smith was only 5’6″ tall, but was one of the great power hitters of his day. “Chino Smith was one of the two best hitters in the Negro Leagues.” Satchel Paige Smith’s career only spanned from 1925-1931. Primarily an outfielder, he also played some second base. He played […]
George “Mule” Suttles was a power hitting first baseman. Using a 50-ounce bat, he generated as much power as any other player. “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 Suttlee’s career […]
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