Major League Baseball Player. Born in Empire, Alabama, he became the first African-American pitcher in Major League Baseball history when he made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers on August 26, 1947. Prior to his time in the major leagues, he was a prominent right hand pitcher in the Negro Baseball Leagues from 1940 to 1943, before serving in the US Military during World War II. Returning to baseball after the war, he was playing for the Memphis Red Sox when signed to the Brooklyn Dodgers. With the Brooklyn Dodgers he played in 1947, 1950 and 1951, finishing his career with 9 wins, 5 loss, 1 shutout, 4 saves, 111 strikeouts and a 6.52 earned run average. He in died in Houston, Texas, at age 55.
Major League Baseball Player. Born in Empire, Alabama, he became the first African-American pitcher in Major League Baseball history when he made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers on August 26, 1947. Prior to his time in the major leagues, he was a prominent right hand pitcher in the Negro Baseball Leagues from 1940 to 1943, before serving in the US Military during World War II. Returning to baseball after the war, he was playing for the Memphis Red Sox when signed to the Brooklyn Dodgers. With the Brooklyn Dodgers he played in 1947, 1950 and 1951, finishing his career with 9 wins, 5 loss, 1 shutout, 4 saves, 111 strikeouts and a 6.52 earned run average. He in died in Houston, Texas, at age 55.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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