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Today, MLB is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Negro leagues. I decided to make a thread honoring some of the stars of the Negro leagues, many of whom would have been stars if there was no color barrier during their prime
Josh Gibson
Commonly called "The Black Babe Ruth," Gibson is known as one of the best power hitters of all time. It is estimated that he hit over 800 home runs in his career. He never played in the Major League's due to the color barrier. If he did, he would have been a star
Commonly called "The Black Babe Ruth," Gibson is known as one of the best power hitters of all time. It is estimated that he hit over 800 home runs in his career. He never played in the Major League's due to the color barrier. If he did, he would have been a star
James "Cool Papa" Bell
He is known as one of the fastest men to ever play the game. It is said that he stole 175 bases in a 200 game season (played in USA and Latin America).
He is known as one of the fastest men to ever play the game. It is said that he stole 175 bases in a 200 game season (played in USA and Latin America).
Satchel Paige
Unlike the previous two, Satchel Paige made it to the Major Leagues. However, he was 42 years old by the time he made it. Paige is said to be the hardest thrower in the history of baseball. He played professional baseball until he was 60 years old.
Unlike the previous two, Satchel Paige made it to the Major Leagues. However, he was 42 years old by the time he made it. Paige is said to be the hardest thrower in the history of baseball. He played professional baseball until he was 60 years old.
Roy Campanella
Roy Campanella played the early part of his career in the Negro leagues. He made it to the majors in 1948 (the year after Jackie Robinson) with the Brooklyn Dodgers and played for them until 1957, when an automobile accident ended his career.
Roy Campanella played the early part of his career in the Negro leagues. He made it to the majors in 1948 (the year after Jackie Robinson) with the Brooklyn Dodgers and played for them until 1957, when an automobile accident ended his career.
Jackie Robinson
We all know of Jackie Robinson as the man who broke Baseball's color barrier. However, he got his start with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro leagues. Jackie was an outstanding hitter, a great baserunner and won NL MVP in 1949.
We all know of Jackie Robinson as the man who broke Baseball's color barrier. However, he got his start with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro leagues. Jackie was an outstanding hitter, a great baserunner and won NL MVP in 1949.
Minnie Miñoso
Known as "The Cuban Comet," Miñoso is known as one of the greatest White Sox players ever. Miñoso was an outstanding player with great longevity. He last played in MLB in 1980, at the age of 55. He was even playing as late as 2003 with the St. Paul Saints.
Known as "The Cuban Comet," Miñoso is known as one of the greatest White Sox players ever. Miñoso was an outstanding player with great longevity. He last played in MLB in 1980, at the age of 55. He was even playing as late as 2003 with the St. Paul Saints.
Leon Day
He isn't as celebrated or recognized as Satchel Paige, but Leon Day was one of the best pitchers to ever play in the Negro leagues. He excelled at striking people out and threw with a high velocity. During his prime, he could play any position except catcher..
He isn't as celebrated or recognized as Satchel Paige, but Leon Day was one of the best pitchers to ever play in the Negro leagues. He excelled at striking people out and threw with a high velocity. During his prime, he could play any position except catcher..
Larry Doby
Known as the second player to break baseball's color barrier, Doby was a seven time All-Star, who along with Satchel Paige, were the first Black players to win the World Series in 1948. He later became baseball's second black manager with the White Sox.
Known as the second player to break baseball's color barrier, Doby was a seven time All-Star, who along with Satchel Paige, were the first Black players to win the World Series in 1948. He later became baseball's second black manager with the White Sox.
Ray Dandrige
Ray Dandrige was a great third baseman who hit for contact and played exceptional defense. By the time the color barrier was broken, Dandrige was considered too old to play. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987.
Ray Dandrige was a great third baseman who hit for contact and played exceptional defense. By the time the color barrier was broken, Dandrige was considered too old to play. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987.
Buck Leonard
Whereas Josh Gibson is known as the "The Black Babe Ruth," Leonard was known as "The Black Lou Gehrig." He either He never played in the majors because he claimed he was "too old" to accept a contract. He and Gibson would have been stars if allowed in MLB.
Whereas Josh Gibson is known as the "The Black Babe Ruth," Leonard was known as "The Black Lou Gehrig." He either He never played in the majors because he claimed he was "too old" to accept a contract. He and Gibson would have been stars if allowed in MLB.
