Sports History

Born July 1, 1888, in Anderson, South Carolina was Baseball Hall of Fame First Baseman, Ben Taylor. He was a star on the Indianapolis ABCs and managed the Washington Potomacs, and Baltimore Black Sox in the Negro Leagues. Taylor also played for the Birmingham Giants, Habana,New York Lincoln Giants, Chicago American Giants, St. Louis Giants, Bacharach Giants, and Harrisburg Giants. Most famously following a 1915 season in which he hit .308, he set Cuba ablaze, hitting .500 in winter league play. He took that hot bat into the 1916 championship season. Ben went 11-for-18 in the World Series, stealing three bases in five games.

Biz Mackey was a titan behind the plate in Negro League Baseball. His career spanned nearly 30 years, from the early 1920s to the late 1940s. He bounced around several teams, including the Indianapolis ABCs, Hilldale Giants, and Newark Eagles, but wherever he landed, he was a leader.

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 – he racked up RBIs and boasted a high slugging percentage.

Praised by fellow Hall of Famers for his complete package of skills – hitting, throwing, and game smarts – 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 (1920–1922), New York Lincoln Giants (1920), Hilldale Daisies (1923–1931), Philadelphia Royal Giants (1925), Philadelphia Stars (1933–1935), Washington / Baltimore Elite Giants (1936–1939), and Newark Dodgers/Eagles (1935, 1939–1941, 1945–1947, 1950). Mackey was regarded as black baseball's premier catcher in the late 1920s and early 1930s.

Ray Brown, born in 1908, wasn't just a baseball player; he was a legend in the Negro Leagues. His career, spanning 14 seasons primarily with the Homestead Grays, was marked by remarkable pitching skill, offensive prowess, and numerous accolades. Here's a glimpse into his journey:

Dominating the Mound:

-Brown was a feared pitcher known for his diverse arsenal, including curveballs, sinkers, sliders, and even knuckleballs.

-He led the Negro Leagues in wins eight times, most notably achieving a 27-game winning streak in 1941.

-He compiled a stellar win-loss record of 122-45, boasting a 3.12 ERA and striking out over 700 batters.

-His pitching prowess earned him comparisons to greats like Satchel Paige and Bob Feller.

A Dual Threat:

-Brown wasn't just a mound maestro but also a capable hitter.

-He showcased his versatility at the plate, battling both left-handed and right-handed.

-He even threw a perfect game in 1945 and a no-hitter in the Cuban Winter League.
Championship Contender:

-Brown played a crucial role in the Homestead Grays' success, leading them to eight pennants in nine years.

-He also participated in several Negro League World Series, contributing to victories and showcasing his talent on the biggest stage.