Nathan Griffin / Sonny Weston outfielder firstbase Chicago American Giants Negro League Baseball

Nathan Griffin - alias Sonny Weston

Able to run like a deer, Nathan Griffin - born November 9th 1930 - played both center field and first base for the 1951 Chicago American Giants. Then in the Spring of 1952, Griffin - then 22 years of age - was invited to Fort Pierce, Florida to try out for the Chicago White Sox, where he was one of the final cuts. Not to be denied, Griffin then sent a letter to the famed Brooklyn Dodgers down in Vero Beach - the same team that employed the great Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella and Duke Snider.

Despite making it passed their first and second rounds of the pre-designated 3 Spring Training cuts, Mr. Griffin missed his opportunity to play in the Big Leagues again, becoming the last and final cut of the Dodgers in round three.

In addition to not making the squad, Griffin also regrets not getting his picture taken while wearing his Dodger uniform. during camp Griffin was given his idol’s number 17, the same number worn by the great Carl Erskin - a player Griffin admires to this day.

After retiring from baseball - because of the need of receiving a full -time pay check - Mr. Griffin joined the assembly lines over at the Ford Motor Company Stamping Plant in Chicago Heights, Illinois. There he moved up the ranks becoming a full time die setter. After 42 years with the auto making plant, Griffin finally retired but that didn’t mean he quit working!

For while with Ford, Griffin - born in East Chicago - held three other jobs including a limo driving service. “I always liked the way the drivers used to look, in their suits and ties,” Griffin recalled. “They were always so sharply dressed.”

Working part time inside at a nearby funeral home, Griffin spoke to the owner and asked him if he got himself a Limo, would he be able to do some ot the driving. The owner said yes, and still to this day, Griffin and his entire family drives friends and family to and from Church and funeral services.

While working his other jobs, Griffin didn’t give up playing baseball. He continued to play in Chicago’s semipro Industrial Leagues batting second in the lineup to a former great player named Richie Hasmen - who ended most seasons hitting close to .400.

Not to be outdone, Griffin - a Bloom Township High School Graduate and Graduate of Bloom City College - averaged .350+ himself, usually placed second in the league in hitting.

Among the teams he played for were first the old Chicago Heights Hornets then his baseball career took him to play for a white team called the Chicago Heights A’s. Managing the A’s club was the ever popular Hap Bruno. Bruno was so popular in the Chicago Heights community that they named the ball park “Hap Field,” in his honor.

Today at seventy-five years of age Griffin - continues to run around working to stay active - but now he “only” works part time at one job! Driving his limo.

Griffin - the father of seven - has six boys and one girl. Aged between 27 and 60. They all live in the United States, most in nearby Wisconsin.

Griffin a native of East Chicago Heigts (now called Ford Heights) and his wife Katherine now live in Salk Village, south east of Chicago.


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			"Back in the Day" › Sonny Weston
			Nathan Griffin - alias Sonny Weston Able to run like a deer, Nathan Griffin - born November 9th 1930 - played both center field and first base for the 1951 Chicago American Giants. Then in the Spring of 1952, Griffin - then 22 years of age - was invited to Fort Pierce, Florida to try out for the Chicago White Sox, where he was one of the final cuts. Not to be denied, Griffin then sent a letter to the famed Brooklyn Dodgers down in Vero Beach - the same team that employed the great Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella and Duke Snider. Despite making it passed their first and second rounds of the pre-designated 3 Spring Training cuts, Mr. Griffin missed his opportunity to play in the Big Leagues again, becoming the last and final cut of the Dodgers in round three. In addition to not making the squad, Griffin also regrets not getting his picture taken while wearing his Dodger uniform. during camp Griffin was given his idol’s number 17, the same number worn by the great Carl Erskin - a player Griffin admires to this day. After retiring from baseball - because of the need of receiving a full -time pay check - Mr. Griffin joined the assembly lines over at the Ford Motor Company Stamping Plant in Chicago Heights, Illinois. There he moved up the ranks becoming a full time die setter. After 42 years with the auto making plant, Griffin finally retired but that didn’t mean he quit working! For while with Ford, Griffin - born in East Chicago - held three other jobs including a limo driving service. “I always liked the way the drivers used to look, in their suits and ties,” Griffin recalled. “They were always so sharply dressed.” Working part time inside at a nearby funeral home, Griffin spoke to the owner and asked him if he got himself a Limo, would he be able to do some ot the driving. The owner said yes, and still to this day, Griffin and his entire family drives friends and family to and from Church and funeral services. While working his other jobs, Griffin didn’t give up playing baseball. He continued to play in Chicago’s semipro Industrial Leagues batting second in the lineup to a former great player named Richie Hasmen - who ended most seasons hitting close to .400. Not to be outdone, Griffin - a Bloom Township High School Graduate and Graduate of Bloom City College - averaged .350+ himself, usually placed second in the league in hitting. Among the teams he played for were first the old Chicago Heights Hornets then his baseball career took him to play for a white team called the Chicago Heights A’s. Managing the A’s club was the ever popular Hap Bruno. Bruno was so popular in the Chicago Heights community that they named the ball park “Hap Field,” in his honor. Today at seventy-five years of age Griffin - continues to run around working to stay active - but now he “only” works part time at one job! Driving his limo. Griffin - the father of seven - has six boys and one girl. Aged between 27 and 60. They all live in the United States, most in nearby Wisconsin. Griffin a native of East Chicago Heigts (now called Ford Heights) and his wife Katherine now live in Salk Village, south east of Chicago.