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 […]
Tank Carr
George “Tank” Carr was a power-hitting first baseman who starred in the Negro Leagues in the 1920s. “Good hitter with power, but career was shortened …” Bill James Carr began his career in the California Winter League, which was an integrated league. In the CWL he hit .317 against major-league […]
John Beckwith
John Beckwith, The Black Bomber, was one of the premiere power hitters in the Negro Leagues. In addition to his power, he also hit for a high average. “Not only can Beckwith hit harder than any Negro ball player, but any man in the world.” Babe Ruth Although he played […]
Restarting the Project
I have decided to restart the project. I paused the project because I did not want to distract from the powerful protests that followed the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and Rayshard Brooks. These protests have definitely shined a light on a problem that needs to be […]
Pausing the Project
I have decided to temporarily suspend the Buck O’Neil project, and I believe it is the right thing to do. I started the project as a way to learn about the legends of the Negro Leagues, who were kept out of the major leagues because of systematic racism. At this […]
Day 32 – May 31
Harry Salmon pitched a complete game, leading Birmingham over Kansas City by a score of 8-1. Birmingham opened the scoring with 5 runs in the bottom of the 4th and coasted from there. Martin Dihigo had a 2-run double and scored twice, and Cristobal Torriente hit his first home run […]
Harry Salmon
Harry “Beans” Salmon was one of the aces for the Birmingham Black Barons in the 1920s. He had an outstanding fastball and excellent control. “Harry Salmon pitched from one side like Ewell Blackwell of the Reds. I never did see anyone pitch like that. He was hard to hit. He […]