Negro League Legends
Johnny Washington Former lefthander Pitcher for both Chicago American Giants and the Houston Eagles.
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Henry "Hank" Presswood Former infielder for both the Cleveland Buckeyes and then the Kansas City Monarchs under the leadership of Buck O'Neil.
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Nathan Griffin - alias Sonny Weston Former outfielder for the Chicago American Giants during the 1951 and 1952 campaigns.
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Ira McKnight Former All-Star catcher for the Kansas City Monarchs.
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Robert "Bob" Wiggins Former Outfielder for the Raleigh Tigers.
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Charles Johnson The late Charles Johnson, a former pitcher and outfielder with the Chicago American Giants among other Negro League Teams from the 20's and 30's.
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Carl Long Former outfielder for the Birmingham Black Barons.
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Art Hamilton All-Star Catcher for the Detroit Stars.
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Harold "Buster" Hair Outfielder for the Birmingham Black Barons.
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Odell Norris - Barnstormer Former infielder for the Indianapolis Clowns.
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Legends Among those who have recently passed include Ted "Double Duty" Radcliff - a former catcher, pitcher and manager in Baseball's Negro Leagues. Lester Lockett who twice hit over .400. Charles "Goulash" Johnson who grew up just blocks from Alex and Ted Radcliff and who himself went on to become both a pitcher and an outfielder for the Chicago American Giants among others.
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| Ron Teasley |
Hall of Famer MONTE IRVIN Monte Irvin fashioned a career of excellence in both the Negro Leagues and the Major Leagues. One of the finest African-American players in the years preceding integration. A high-average hitter with some power who played for the Newark Eagles in a lineup that ncluded legends Willie Wells, Biz Mackey, and Mule Suttles. The well-spoken and dignified Irvin,88 crossed the color line in 1949 and was a key contributor to two New York Giants pennant-winners, hitting .458 in the 1951 World Series.
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"Most of the black ballplayers thought Monte Irvin should have been the first black in the major leagues. Monte was our best young ballplayer at the time… He could hit that long ball, he had a great arm, he could field, he could run. Yes, he could do everything."
— Cool Papa Bell (as per daughter Coonie Brooks)
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