Buck Leonard

Walter Fenner “Buck” Leonard is recognized as the greatest first baseman to play in the Negro Leagues. He teamed with Josh Gibson to form a one-two punch as potent as that of Ruth and Gehrig. The duo led the Grays to nine straight Negro National League pennants from 1937-1945, winning back to back World Series championships in 1943 and 1944.

“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

His offensive statistics speak for themselves, but he was also an outstanding defender with excellent hands, great range, and an outstanding arm. He was a dead pull hitter who crushed righties. “Trying to sneak a fastball past him was like trying to sneak a sunrise past a rooster.” Over an 8-year stretch he averaged 34 home runs per season. The legendary Cum Posey selected him as the first baseman on his All-Time All-American team.

Respected by his teammates, he was even-tempered and professional, and his consistency and dependability were a steadying influence on the Grays. A class guy, he was the best-liked player in the game. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.

Links to Learn More About Buck Leonard

• Buck Leonard – NLBM
• Buck Leonard – Baseball Hall of Fame
• Buck Leonard – Baseball Reference
• Buck Leonard – SABR
• Buck Leonard – MLB Stories
• Buck Leonard – MLB
• Buck Leonard – Seamheads
• Buck Leonard – Washington Post Obituary
• Buck Leonard – The Athletic – The Baseball 100 No. 53
  (This is behind a pay wall, but I highly recommend it. The Athletic typically has a free trial offer, and I suggest you take them up on it and binge the entire Baseball 100!)