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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 spanned from 1920-1948. He played primarily with the Kansas City Monarchs, but also spent time with the New York Black Yankees, Pittsburgh Crawfords, Homestead Grays, New York Cubans, and Chicago American Giants, among other teams. Primarily a catcher, he did play first base and outfield, as well as manage.
He caught all of the great Monarchs pitchers – Chet Brewer, John Donaldson, Jose Mendez, Satchel Paige, and Bullet Rogan. The Monarchs won three straight Negro National League pennants from 1923-1925 with Duncan behind the plate. He became manager of the Monarchs in 1942, and led the team to a sweep of the Homestead Grays in the Negro World Series. They lost the 1946 World Series to the Newark Eagles. He turned over managerial duties to Buck O’Neil in 1948.
Frank Duncan was actually Frank Duncan Jr., and together with his son Frank Duncan III, he managed to set what was believed to be a first in 1941. They formed what is believed to be the first professional father-son battery.