Mackey wasn't just a defensive stalwart; his bat spoke volumes too. A switch-hitter known for his line drives, he consistently hit above .300, placing him among the Negro Leagues' all-time greats. His power was undeniable โ he racked up RBIs and boasted a high slugging percentage.
Praised by fellow Hall of Famers for his complete package of skills โ hitting, throwing, and game smarts โ Mackey was a catcher that pitchers loved to work with. His contemporaries even ranked him above the legendary Josh Gibson as the best catcher they ever saw.
Despite a long and remarkable career, Mackey's accomplishments went largely unrecognized for decades due to segregation. However, in 2006, he received his due credit with an induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Born July 27, 1897, in Eagle Pass, Texas, was Baseball Hall of Fame Catcher Biz Mackey. He was a five-time East-West All-Star Game roster invite and a member of the Negro League World Series 1925 Champion Hilldale Daisies, and in 1946 on the Newark Eagles title team.
For his career he was a member of the Indianapolis ABCs (1920โ1922), New York Lincoln Giants (1920), Hilldale Daisies (1923โ1931), Philadelphia Royal Giants (1925), Philadelphia Stars (1933โ1935), Washington / Baltimore Elite Giants (1936โ1939), and Newark Dodgers/Eagles (1935, 1939โ1941, 1945โ1947, 1950). Mackey was regarded as black baseball's premier catcher in the late 1920s and early 1930s.