Fats Jenkins

Fats Jenkins
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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 and bunted, was like lightning getting to first base.”

Bill James

The left-hander’s career spanned from 1920-1940, playing the outfield as well as managing near the end of his career. He played with the Hillsdale Daisies, Baltimore Black Sox, Pittsburgh Crawfords, New York Black Yankees, Brooklyn Royal Giants, and Philadelphia Stars, among other teams. Fats was a good contact/slap hitter with average power. His intelligence and natural speed made him a terrific base stealer. He was selected to 2 East-West All Star games, and finished his career with a .334 batting average in black baseball.

Fats also played the piano and sang as a member of his team’s quartet. He opened a package store in the Bronx after retiring. He also was a boxing referee.

As far as his nickname, his size did not lead to it. He was in fabulous shape. Instead, he got it from his brother, who actually fit the moniker.

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