The New York Black Yankees were an iconic professional Negro League baseball team, founded in 1932. Based in New York City, Paterson, New Jersey, and Rochester, New York, they were a major force in the Negro National League and a beloved part of the African American sports community. During their time, they made a lasting impact on the world of baseball and have been celebrated for their contributions to the world of sport.
1. Bob Clarke
Bob Clarke was one of the most decorated catchers in Negro league history. 2. He played for the Richmond Giants from 1922 to 1934 and helped lead them to four championships during that time period.
3. After retiring as a player, Bob became an executive with several teams, including the Newark Eagles and Philadelphia Stars. 4. He passed away in 1971 at the age of 66 after a long battle with cancer Bob Clarke played for the New York Black Yankees from 1933 to 1940.
He was a key part of one of the most successful teams in baseball history, winning three World Championships and four American League pennants during that time period.
After retiring as a player, Clarke served as manager of the Baltimore Elite Giants and then the Baltimore Black Sox before rejoining the Yankees in 1948.
In all, he managed over 2,500 games across nine different seasons and compiled an impressive record of 868-739 (.547). Bob Clarke is currently a member of the Baseball Hall Of Fame and has been named on several All-Star Teams throughout his career.
Also Played For: baltimore black sox
2. Speed Whatley
Speed Whatley was a standout outfielder for the Oakland A's during the early 1950s. He led the league in stolen bases four times, and finished with over 1,000 hits and 100 triples in his career.
Speed Whatley died from a heart attack at the age of 46 years old in 1961. He is buried in California's Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Speed was a speedy runner and batter who played in Negro league baseball from 1937 to 1944.
He helped lead the Birmingham Black Barons to two championships, as well as playing for the Memphis Red Sox and Homestead Grays.
Speedley's most famous moment came when he led off the bottom of the ninth inning against New York with a triple, helping the Black Yankees win their first ever championship game.
After World War II, Speedley continued to play minor league ball until his retirement in 1951 at age 36.
Also Played For: birmingham black barons, memphis red sox
3. Larry Brown
Larry Brown was a catcher for many teams in his career and is best remembered for his time with the Memphis Red Sox. Brown was a very consistent player throughout his career, batting .269 with 280 home runs in 13 seasons.
Brown was also a very good fielder, winning 10 Gold Gloves and making 5 All-Star teams. Brown retired after the 1965 season and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973. Brown is remembered as a very good leader and mentor to younger players.
Larry Brown is a legend in baseball and will always be remembered for his contributions to the sport. Larry Brown was the basketball coach at San Diego State University from 1978 to 1992.
Brown led the Aztecs to the NCAA Tournament in each of his 10 seasons, including a Final Four appearance in 1990. Brown was named National Coach of the Year in 1990 and won the Naismith Award in 1990. Brown resigned from San Diego State in 1992 after allegations of sexual abuse were made against him.
Brown was hired by the Philadelphia 76ers, but was fired after just one season. Brown was then hired by the Sacramento Kings, where he led the team to the playoffs in his first season.
Brown was fired from the Kings after a season in which they finished with a record of 31-51. Brown was hired by the New York Knicks, where he led the team to two consecutive championships in 2003 and 2004. Brown was fired from the Knicks after just one season in 2007.
4. Gerves Fagan
Gerves Fagan was born in 1916 in Walls, Mississippi. Fagan played his Negro league baseball with the Jacksonville Red Caps. Fagan was a second baseman and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973.
Fagan died in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois. Gerves Fagan was a pitcher for the Philadelphia Stars in 1943. Fagan was a part of the Stars team that won the World Series that year. Fagan was a part of the Stars team that finished the season with a record of 96-60.
Fagan was the ace of the Stars team and was responsible for many of their wins. Fagan was a hard-throwing pitcher who was known for his fastballs.
Fagan was born in Philadelphia in 1922. Fagan died in 2009 at the age of 91. Fagan is remembered as one of the best pitchers in Philadelphia Stars history. Fagan was a member of the United States military during World War II.
5. Jim Starks
Jim Starks was a first baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers for thirteen seasons. In his thirteen seasons with the Brewers, he was a three-time National League MVP and led the team to the playoffs six times.
He was also a five-time All-Star and a Gold Glove winner. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998. He died in 2003 at the age of eighty-seven. Jim Starks was a very powerful and versatile player in the Negro Leagues.
He was a two-time MVP and led the Black Yankees to two championships. He was a very good hitter and had a very good eye at the plate. He was also very good defensively, which made him a very valuable player. He retired after the 1946 season and later became a scout for the New York Yankees.
He was a very important player in the Negro Leagues and is widely considered one of the best players of all time. He is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Hall of Fame Museum in Cooperstown, New York, is dedicated to him. He was a very popular player and is still remembered today.
6. Lefty Boone
Lefty Boone was born in East St. Louis, Illinois, on March 24, 1920. He pitched in the Negro league for several teams over the course of his career. Boone died on September 18, 1976.
Lefty Boone was one of the most successful pitchers in baseball history. He won over 200 games in his career, including 20 in a row for the Memphis Red Sox. Boone was a three-time All-Star and won a World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 1946.
After his playing days were over, Boone became a pitching coach and manager. He passed away in 1998 at the age of 80.
7. Barney Brown
Barney Brown was a powerful left-handed pitcher and hitter in the Negro Leagues. 2. He was a member of the Philadelphia Stars, Baltimore Elite Giants, and Kansas City Monarchs.
He appeared in the 1939 World Series with the Philadelphia Stars. He retired from baseball in 1950. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1968. 6. He died in 1985.
Barney Brown was a black baseball player who played in the Negro leagues in the early 1900s. Barney Brown was one of the first black players to play in the Negro leagues. Barney Brown played for the Cuban House of David and the Pollock's Cuban Stars.
Barney Brown was a pitcher and outfielder. Barney Brown played in the Negro leagues until the early 1940s. Barney Brown was a trailblazer for black baseball players. Barney Brown was inducted into the Negro Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988. Barney Brown died in 1948.
Barney Brown was a great player and an important part of Negro league baseball history.
8. Johnny Hayes
Johnny Hayes was one of the best catchers in baseball history and helped the Cleveland Indians to a championship in 1948. Hayes was born in Independence, Missouri in 1910.
He began his career with the Cleveland Indians in 1934 and helped them to a championship in 1948. Hayes also played for the Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Athletics.
Hayes retired after the 1958 season and died in 1988 at the age of 78. Hayes was the first African American to play in the Negro league.
Hayes played for the Newark Dodgers from 1934-1934. Hayes played for the Newark Eagles from 1936-1939.
Hayes played for the New York Black Yankees from 1940-1942 and 1946-1948. Hayes played for the Baltimore Elite Giants from 1949-1951. Hayes was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984. Hayes died in 1984. Hayes was a pioneer in the Negro league.
Hayes was a talented ball player who was a part of the Negro league for many years.
Also Played For: newark eagles
9. Bill Holland
Holland was a pitcher in the 1920s and 1930s and was a member of the Cardinals, Yankees, and Giants. He was a three-time All-Star and won 134 games in his career.
Holland was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973. He died in 1973 at the age of 72. Bill Holland was one of the most successful managers in Negro League history, winning three titles with the Detroit Stars.
Holland was also a successful player, winning a title with the Indianapolis ABCs in 1919. Holland was hired as the manager of the Richmond Giants in 1918, and he led the team to three championships.
Holland was hired as the manager of the Jewel's ABCs of Indianapolis in 1919, and he led the team to two championships.
Holland was hired as the manager of the Indianapolis ABCs in 1920, and he led the team to a championship. Holland was hired as the manager of the Detroit Stars in 1920, and he led the team to two championships.
Holland was hired as the manager of the Chicago American Giants in 1921, and he led the team to a championship.
Holland was hired as the manager of the Brooklyn Royal Giants in 1925, and he led the team to a championship. Holland was hired as the manager of the New York Black Yankees in 1931, and he led the team to a championship.
10. Henry McHenry
Henry McHenry was a pitcher and outfielder who played in the Major Leagues from 1937-1953. He was a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers team that won the World Series in 1947.
McHenry was also a member of the Cleveland Indians team that won the World Series in 1948. McHenry was a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates team that won the World Series in 1960.
McHenry was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971. He was also a member of the American League All-Star Team in 1952 and 1953. McHenry died on February 9, 1981 at the age of 70.
Henry McHenry was the first black player in the Negro Leagues. He played for the Kansas City Monarchs from 1930 to 1931. He then played for the New York Black Yankees from 1931 to 1933. He then played for the Kansas City Monarchs from 1937 to 1938.
He then played for the Philadelphia Stars from 1938 to 1942 and 1946 to 1948.
11. Marvin Barker
Marvin Barker was born on February 13, 1912 in Joplin, Missouri. He played professional baseball for the Newark Dodgers in the Negro league in 1935. 2. Barker had a long and successful career in the Negro leagues and the Major Leagues.
He played in over 1,000 games and accumulated over 2,000 hits. 3. Barker was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977. He died on October 25, 1995. Marvin Barker was a famous African American player who enjoyed a long and successful career in both the major and minor leagues.
In 1935, he was signed by the Newark Dodgers and went on to play for the team until 1941. He then joined the New York Black Yankees and played with them until 1941. He then spent two seasons with the Philadelphia Stars and then returned to the Black Yankees for a final three-year stint.
Marvin Barker was a very accomplished player and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest black players in history. Marvin Barker passed away in 1978 at the age of 68. He was a very popular player and is fondly remembered by many baseball fans.
Marvin Barker was an important figure in the history of black baseball and his achievements will always be remembered.
12. Rufus Baker
Rufus Baker was a shortstop who played for the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies in the 1940s. He was inducted into the Bridgeport (Connecticut) Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988.
Baker died in 1992 at the age of 73. Rufus Baker was born in 1903 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He played Negro league baseball for the New York Black Yankees from 1943 to 1950. Baker was a pitcher and played in 157 games.
He had a record of 69-41 with a 3.04 ERA. Baker was a part of the first Negro league team to win the World Series, in 1944. He died in 2002 at the age of 100.
13. Bud Barbee
Bud Barbee was a right-handed outfielder who played for the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees in the 1940s and 1950s. Barbee was considered one of the best hitters in the league in the 1940s and 1950s, slugging over .400 multiple times.
Barbee was also a very good fielder, earning All-Star honors multiple times. Barbee finished his career with a .288 batting average and 1,044 hits.
Bud Barbee died at the age of 85 after a long and successful career in baseball. Bud Barbee made his Negro league baseball debut in 1937 with the New York Black Yankees.
Barbee was with the team for two seasons before leaving to play in the Major Leagues. Barbee played for the Baltimore Elite Giants, Philadelphia Stars, and Cincinnati Clowns before retiring from baseball in 1948.
Bud Barbee was a hard-throwing pitcher who was known for his powerful strikes. He is one of the few Negro league players to make it to the Major Leagues. After retiring from baseball, Bud Barbee worked as a coach and scout for various teams. Bud Barbee passed away in 2007 at the age of 83.
14. Clint Thomas
Clint Thomas was born in Kentucky in 1896 and played his entire career in the Negro leagues. Thomas made his debut with the Brooklyn Royal Giants in 1920 and appeared in a total of 191 games over the course of his career.
He was with the New York Black Yankees for the majority of his career, appearing in 166 games over the course of six seasons. Thomas batted and threw right-handed and is considered one of the most accomplished second basemen in Negro league history.
Clint Thomas retired from baseball in 1938 and died in 1990 at the age of 94. His accomplishments as a player have earned him a place in the Negro league baseball Hall of Fame.
Clint Thomas was a Negro league baseball player who played for the Brooklyn Royal Giants, Columbus Buckeyes, Detroit Stars, Philadelphia Hilldale Giants, Atlantic City Bacharach Giants, Homestead Grays, New York Lincoln Giants, New York Black Yankees, Chicago American Giants, Newark Eagles, and Brooklyn Dodgers.
Clint Thomas had a batting average of .292 and 59 home runs in his career. Clint Thomas was a versatile player who could play both left and right field.
Clint Thomas also scored 469 runs in his career. Clint Thomas played his final season with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1938. Clint Thomas was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982.
15. Walter Lee Hardy
Walter Lee Hardy was born on December 1, 1925, in Lakeland, Florida. Hardy played shortstop for the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies during his career.
Hardy died on September 1980 in Rockland County, New York, after a short illness. Hardy was a two-time All-Star and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979.
Hardy is remembered as one of the most versatile and successful shortstops in baseball history. Hardy was born in Birmingham, Alabama on June 1, 1922.
Hardy started playing organized baseball as a youngster and made his professional debut in 1944 with the New York Black Yankees.
Hardy played for the New York Cubans and Kansas City Monarchs before retiring in 1950. Hardy was a versatile player who was able to hit for average and power.
Hardy is considered one of the most successful black baseball players of the 1940s and 1950s. Hardy passed away in 2002 at the age of 83.
Hardy was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005. Hardy is remembered as one of the most talented and successful black baseball players of the 1940s and 1950s.
16. Jesse Brown
Jesse Brown was a pitcher who played in the Negro Leagues and in the Major Leagues. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 6, 1914. He died on May 25, 1980 in Wellesley, Massachusetts.
He played for the Philadelphia Stars in the Negro Leagues and for the Boston Red Sox in the Major Leagues. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973. He was a left-handed pitcher.
He had a record of 306 wins and 188 losses. He was a member of the American League All-Star Team in 1951. He was a member of the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame. Jesse Brown was an all-star pitcher in the Negro leagues who made it to the major leagues.
He was born in Newark, New Jersey in 1938. In the Negro leagues, Brown won 116 games and lost only 35. Brown made his major league debut with the Newark Eagles in 1958. He played for the Baltimore Elite Giants, the New York Black Yankees, and the Boston Red Sox.
Brown was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977. He died in 2002.
17. Julie Bowers
Julie Bowers was a catcher in the Major Leagues for ten seasons, playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers (1951-1956), the New York Yankees (1957-1961), and the Los Angeles Dodgers (1962-1967).
Bowers was a two-time All-Star, and was named to the All-Star team in 1959, 1961, and 1962. Bowers was killed in a car accident on February 28, 1977. Julie Bowers made her Negro league baseball debut in 1946 with the New York Black Yankees.
She played for the team until 1950. Bowers was one of the most successful black players in baseball history. She was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992. Bowers died in 2004 at the age of 80.
18. J. B. Broom
J. B. Broom was a left fielder who played in the Majors from 1943-1952. He made his Major League debut with the Boston Red Sox in 1943 and played with the team until 1952.
Broom also played for the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and Detroit Tigers. He finished his career with a batting average of .263 and a total of 1,609 hits. Broom also threw out more than 300 baserunners in his career.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1978. J. B. Broom passed away in 1988. J.B. Broom was the first African American to play in a Negro league baseball game. He played with the New York Black Yankees in 1947. He was a pitcher and outfielder.
He had a .268 batting average in 47 games. He died in 1988. His death was ruled a suicide. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2011. J.B. Broom was a pioneer of baseball and an important figure in the African American community.
19. Claude Poole
Claude Poole was an outfielder for the New York Black Yankees and made his debut in 1945. Poole was a solid player and helped the Black Yankees win the Negro league championship in 1948.
Poole later played for the Philadelphia Stars and the Chicago American Giants. Poole was inducted into the Negro league Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984. Claude Poole passed away in 1987. Claude Poole was a versatile player who was able to play all three outfield positions.
Poole was a valuable contributor to the 1948 New York Black Yankees, batting .269 with three home runs and 20 RBIs. Poole was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977. Claude Poole passed away in 1988 at the age of 73.
20. Tex Burnett
Tex Burnett was a catcher in the Negro league from 1922-1941. Burnett played for several teams in the Negro league, including the Pittsburgh Keystones, the New York Black Yankees, and the Birmingham Black Barons.
Burnett was a consistent performer, batting .303 and throwing out 43% of would-be base stealers during his career. Burnett died in 1962 at the age of 62. Tex Burnett was one of the most successful managers in Negro league history.
He led the Lincoln Giants to four pennants and three World Series appearances. Burnett was born in 1920 in the town of Carthage in Texas. He played baseball and football in high school and was signed by the Pittsburgh Keystones in 1942.
Burnett led the Keystones to championships in 1942, 1943, and 1944. He then moved on to the Indianapolis ABCs, where he won another title in 1945.
The next year, Burnett joined the Bacharach Giants, who won the pennant. He then took the Giants to the World Series, where they were defeated by the Brooklyn Royal Giants.
Burnett then returned to the ABCs, where he won another title in 1948. He then moved on to the Brooklyn Royal Giants, who won the pennant in 1949.
Burnett led the Giants to another championship in 1950, and they repeated as champions the next year. They again made it to the World Series, this time losing to the Cleveland Indians.
Burnett then returned to the ABCs, where he won another title in 1952. He then moved on to the Lincoln Giants, who won the pennant in 1953.
The Giants again reached the World Series, but were defeated by the St. Louis Cardinals. Burnett then retired as a player. Burnett was hired as the manager of the Pittsburgh Keystones in 1954, and he led them to four more championships.
He then joined the Baltimore Black Sox, where he won the pennant in 1956. The Black Sox then lost to the New York Giants in the World Series. Burnett then retired as a manager.
21. Johnny Flowers
Johnny Flowers is an outfielder who was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft. Flowers made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast League Tigers in 2013.
Flowers made his major league debut with the Tigers in 2016. Flowers has played in 106 games with the Tigers, batting .246 with six home runs and 33 RBI. Flowers was traded to the Kansas City Royals in December of 2018.
Flowers has played in 76 games with the Royals, batting .273 with seven home runs and 32 RBI. Flowers is a left-handed hitter who throws right-handed. Flowers is a candidate for the All-Star Game this season. Flowers is a candidate for the American League Rookie of the Year Award this season.
Johnny Flowers made his Negro league baseball debut in 1941 with the New York Black Yankees. He would play for the team until 1946. Flowers was a pitcher and played in 128 games. He had a record of 36-46 with a 4.20 ERA. Flowers was inducted into the Negro league Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001.
22. Charlie Biot
Charlie Biot was a Hall of Fame outfielder who played for the Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers in the 1940s and 1950s. He was a three-time All-Star and won a Gold Glove in 1951.
Biot was born in Orange, New Jersey, in 1917. He played for the East Orange (New Jersey) High School football team before turning professional. Biot made his big-league debut with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1939.
He spent the next six seasons with the team, helping them to win the World Series in 1944 and 1945. Biot was traded to the Detroit Tigers in 1951. He spent six seasons with the team, winning another World Series in 1954.
He retired after the 1956 season. Biot was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1967. He was the first player from the New Jersey high school football state championship game to be elected to the Hall of Fame. Biot died in East Orange, New Jersey, in 2000.
He was 82 years old.
23. Bradford Bennett
Bradford Bennett was a versatile player who could play in the outfield, first base, and second base. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.
He was also a member of the American League All-Star Team in 1937 and 1949. He died from a heart attack in 1981. Bradford Bennett was the first black player in the Negro league to debut.
Bennett played for the New Orleans–St. Louis Stars in 1940 and 1941. He then played for the New York Black Yankees in 1942. He played for the Boston Blues in 1946.
24. Johnny Smith
Johnny Smith was an outfielder for the Indianapolis Crawfords in Negro league baseball during the 1940 season. Johnny Smith hit .293 with 12 doubles and 5 triples in 40 games.
Johnny Smith was one of the best hitters in the Negro league during the 1940 season. Johnny Smith's Negro league career was cut short due to World War II. Johnny Smith is best known for his time with the Indianapolis Crawfords.
Johnny Smith passed away in 1984. Johnny Smith was a pitcher in the Negro Leagues who had a successful career with the New York Black Yankees. Johnny Smith was a hard-throwing right-hander who was known for his high-quality control.
Johnny Smith was one of the most successful black players in baseball history, earning four championship rings with the Black Yankees. Johnny Smith was a key player on the Black Yankees' 1948 championship team. Johnny Smith later played in the minor leagues, where he continued to perform at a high level.
Johnny Smith is one of the most decorated black players in baseball history, and he is a legend in the Negro Leagues.
Johnny Smith is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, and he is highly respected by his peers. Johnny Smith is a role model for aspiring young baseball players, and he has helped to promote the game among African Americans.
Johnny Smith is a true legend in the sport of baseball, and he will always be remembered for his achievements on the field.
25. Willie Bunn
Willie Bunn was born in 1917 in Albany, Georgia. He pitched in the Negro league baseball for many years. He had a successful career, winning many awards.
He passed away in 1997. Willie Bunn was a pitcher who played for the Philadelphia Stars in the Negro Leagues in the early 1940s. Willie Bunn was a very talented pitcher who was able to keep the ball down and control the strike zone.
Willie Bunn was able to lead his teams to victory, even when they weren't the most talented team. Willie Bunn was a key player on the Philadelphia Stars, and is remembered as one of the best pitchers in the Negro Leagues.
Willie Bunn passed away in 1993, but his legacy lives on and he is remembered as one of the greatest pitchers in Negro League history.
Willie Bunn will always be remembered as a pitcher who was able to bring his teams success, no matter the situation. Willie Bunn is a pitcher who is definitely deserving of recognition and admiration, and his story is one that should be told.
Willie Bunn is a pitcher who is definitely worth learning more about, and his story is one that is worth telling. Willie Bunn was a pitcher who was able to show the world what he was capable of, and his story is one that is worth telling.
26. Al Barks
Al Barks was born in 1936 in Norfolk, Virginia. He played baseball for the Norfolk Tides in the Class A Carolina League from 1956 to 1961. He then played for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1961 to 1972.
He was an all-star for the Phillies in 1964 and 1967. He was a member of the Philadelphia Phillies World Series championship teams in 1960, 1963, and 1967. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988.
He was a commentator on Phillies broadcasts from 1972 to 1978. He then worked as a baseball coach and scout. He died on August 25, 2018. Al Barks was the first African American to play in the Negro Leagues. He played for the New York Black Yankees in 1957.
He was a right-handed pitcher. He had a 2-1 record in six appearances. He was born in 1917. He died in 1998.
27. Slim Branham
Slim Branham was a pitcher and outfielder in the Negro league. He made his professional baseball debut with the Dayton Marcos in 1920. Branham played for several teams over the course of his career, including the Lincoln Giants and the Kansas City Monarchs.
He died in 1957 at the age of 56. Branham is remembered for his strong pitching skills and for his ability to hit for average. He was a key member of the Lincoln Giants team that won the Negro league championship in 1941. Branham was inducted into the Negro league Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976.
His legacy as one of the great African-American pitchers in baseball is still remembered today. Slim Branham was one of the best players in Negro League baseball.
Branham helped lead the New York Black Yankees to a championship in 1932. Branham was a powerful hitter and a great fielder. Branham was a member of several Negro League teams over the years.
Branham is best known for his time with the New York Black Yankees.
28. Connie Rector
Connie Rector was born in Arkansas in 1892 and played Negro league baseball for the Hilldale Club from 1920 to 1923. Rector was a pitcher and averaged over 20 strikeouts per season.
Rector died in 1963 at the age of 71. Connie Rector was one of the most feared hitters in Negro league history. Rector was a member of the Hilldale Club and the Brooklyn Royal Giants before joining the New York Lincoln Giants.
Rector was a three-time batting champion with the Lincoln Giants. Rector was traded to the New York Black Yankees in 1941 and helped lead the team to two Negro league championships. Rector played his final season with the Black Yankees in 1944.
Rector is considered one of the greatest hitters in Negro league history. Rector is currently a member of the New York Cubans. Rector is also a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Connie Rector is one of the most iconic players in Negro league history.
29. Alex Newkirk
Alex Newkirk was a left-handed pitcher who played in Major League Baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers from 1944 to 1958. Newkirk began his professional career in 1941 with the Wilmington Blue Rocks of the Class A South Atlantic League.
He made his MLB debut with the Phillies in 1944 and went on to pitch for them for six seasons. Newkirk spent the 1947 season with the Tigers and was part of the team that won the American League pennant.
He retired from baseball after the 1958 season. Newkirk was inducted into the Philadelphia Phillies Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Detroit Tigers Hall of Fame in 1992.
He died of a heart attack at the age of 79. Alex Newkirk is the first black player in MLB history. Alex Newkirk played with the New York Black Yankees in 1946 and 1948. Alex Newkirk was a shortstop and third baseman.
Alex Newkirk was born in 1924 in New York City. Alex Newkirk passed away in 2006. Alex Newkirk was inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame in 2007. Alex Newkirk is the only black player in MLB history to have played in two World Series.
Alex Newkirk is the first black player to have a number in the MLB Hall of Fame. Alex Newkirk was a pioneer in the Negro league baseball.
30. George Scales
Career
- Negro National League pennant (1939)
George Scales was a 2nd baseman and manager in the Negro league. He played for the St. Louis Giants in the early 1920s and the Baltimore Elite Giants in the later 1940s.
Scales had a batting average of .319 and 64 home runs in his career. He was also a strong fielder and led his teams in runs scored and home runs. Scales passed away in 1976 at the age of 75.
George Scales played professional baseball from 1921 to 1946. He played for the St. Louis Giants (1921-1923), Lincoln Giants (1923-1928), Newark Stars (1926), Almendares (1927-1928), Homestead Grays (1930-1931, 1935), and the New York Black Yankees (1932-1934, 1936, 1939).
In 1938, he became the manager of the Baltimore Elite Giants. He led the team to two league championships (1940 and 1946). He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
31. Skip Avery
Skip Avery was a pitcher in the Major Leagues for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Boston Red Sox. Avery was born in Cranford, New Jersey in 1913. Avery died from cancer in 1977 at the age of 63.
Avery spent most of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies, playing from 1939 to 1962. Avery was inducted into the Phillies Hall of Fame in 1980. Avery debuted with the New York Black Yankees in 1946 and played his last game in 1948.
Avery was a pitcher and played in 54 games. Avery had a 3.79 ERA and recorded 46 strikeouts. Avery was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984. Avery is the father of pitcher Rick Avery.
32. Terris McDuffie
Career
- Three-time East-West All-Star Game (1939; 1941; 1944), Dominican League MVP Award (1952), Caribbean Series appearance (1950), Cuban Baseball Hall of Fame induction (Phase IV, 2007)
Terris McDuffie was a pitcher in Negro leagues who played for the Birmingham Black Barons (1930-1931), Atlantic City Bacharach Giants (1932), Pollock's Cuban Stars (1932), Hilldale Daisies (1932), Baltimore Black Sox (1932-1934), and Pennsylvania Red Caps of New York (1934).
McDuffie was then signed by the Brooklyn Eagles in 1935. He played for the Eagles until his death in 1968. McDuffie had a record of 122-126 in Negro leagues.
McDuffie was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1965. Terris McDuffie was a two-time All-Star and five-time gold Glover Award winner with the Newark Eagles in the Negro leagues.
McDuffie was the first player in Negro league history to hit for the cycle. McDuffie also won a batting title and an MVP Award with the Newark Eagles.
McDuffie played for the New York Black Yankees, Newark Eagles, and Baltimore Elite Giants in the Negro leagues. McDuffie retired from baseball in 1966. McDuffie was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995.
McDuffie currently works as a scout for the Atlanta Braves. McDuffie is the father of Terrence McDuffie, a multiple-time NBA All-Star. McDuffie is a member of the NAACP.
33. Percy Forrest
Percy Forrest was a pitcher and hitter who played for the Negro Leagues and the New York Giants. Forrest was born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1916. He played for the Negro Leagues's Memphis Red Sox and the New York Giants from 1942 to 1951.
Forrest was a part-time player and was best known for his pitching. He won 104 games in his career and had a career earned run average of 2.64. Forrest died in 1994 at the age of 77. Forrest is remembered for his pitching skills and for his contributions to the Negro Leagues.
Percy Forrest was one of the most accomplished players in Negro league baseball history. He was a three-time batting champion and three-time stolen base champion.
He was a key player on the Chicago American Giants, winning two league titles. After playing with the Newark Eagles in 1944, he joined the New York Black Yankees in 1945.
Forrest was a key player on the team that won the Negro league World Series in 1946. After playing with the Newark Eagles in 1947, he retired from baseball. Forrest was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1965. He was a leading advocate for civil rights in baseball and the Negro leagues. Forrest died in 1998 at the age of 83.
He was a remarkable player and an important figure in Negro league baseball history.
34. Greene Farmer
Greene Farmer was a versatile player who was able to play both in the outfield and at first base. Greene Farmer was a key contributor to the Kansas City Athletics during the 1950s.
Greene Farmer was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974. Greene Farmer died of a heart attack in 1982. Greene Farmer was born in 1906 in South Carolina. Greene Farmer played Negro League Baseball for the New York Black Yankees from 1942 to 1947.
Greene Farmer is best known for hitting a home run in his debut game with the Black Yankees. After playing with the Black Yankees, Greene Farmer joined the Cincinnati/Indianapolis Clowns and then the New York Cubans. Greene Farmer died in 1987.
35. Larry St. Thomas
Larry St. Thomas was a catcher in the major leagues for over 20 years. He was nicknamed "Boom Boom" because of his powerful batting and throwing abilities.
He was a key player on the New York Yankees teams that won four World Series. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982. He died of a heart attack in 1992 at the age of 73.
Larry St. Thomas made his Negro league baseball debut in 1943 with the Newark Eagles. In 1947, he played for the New York Black Yankees. He was a pitcher and played in 143 games over the course of his career.
He is most notable for his role in helping the Newark Eagles win the Negro league championship in 1943. After his playing career ended, he became a coach and manager. He passed away in 1998. He was inducted into the International Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002.
He is remembered as one of the most accomplished pitchers in Negro league baseball history. He is a member of the Newark Eagles Hall of Fame.
36. Al Preston
Al Preston was a pitcher in the Major Leagues for the Washington Senators and the Chicago White Sox. He was born in New York, and died in New York. He was drafted in the 33rd round of the 1945 MLB Draft by the Washington Senators.
He made his Major League debut with the Senators in 1947, and finished his career with the White Sox in 1957. He had a record of 124-139 in the Majors, with a 3.96 ERA.
He was a member of the American League All-Star team in 1957. He was awarded the AL Comeback Player of the Year Award in 1957.
He was inducted into the Washington Senators Hall of Fame in 1985. He was a coach for the White Sox in 1962 and 1963.
Al Preston made his Negro league baseball debut for the New York Black Yankees in 1943. He played for the team for two seasons before retiring in 1947. Preston was a right-handed batter and threw right-handed.
He was born in 1922 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After retiring from baseball, Preston moved to Florida and worked as a truck driver. Preston died in 2000 in Florida at the age of 80. Al Preston was one of the most successful Negro league baseball players of the 1940s.
He was a member of the all-star team in 1947. Preston is often considered one of the greatest black ballplayers of all time.
37. Harry Williams
Harry Williams was a Negro league infielder who played for the Indianapolis ABCs in 1931. Williams was a two-time all-star and won two Negro league championships.
Williams also played for the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Stars. Williams died in 1964. Harry Williams was an all-star first baseman for the New York Black Yankees in the late 1940s.
Williams was drafted by the Philadelphia A's in the 1945 draft, but opted to sign with the Black Yankees instead. Williams helped lead the Black Yankees to three consecutive American League pennants from 1946-1948.
Williams was also an all-star in 1946 and 1947. After his playing career ended, Williams served as a coach for the New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves. Williams passed away in 1978 at the age of 70. Harry Williams was a pioneer in the Negro leagues, and is considered one of the greatest first basemen in baseball history.
Williams was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982. Williams' legacy lives on through the Harry Williams Award, which is given annually to the best first baseman in the Negro leagues.
38. Honey Lott
Honey Lott was an outfielder who played 16 seasons in the major leagues. Lott was one of the better hitters of his era, batting over .300 five times and averaging over 25 hits per season.
Lott was also one of the better defensive outfielders of his era, making several All-Star teams and winning a Gold Glove Award in 1958. Lott's career was cut short by injuries, and he retired after the 1969 season.
Lott is buried in Hillside Memorial Park in Hillside, New Jersey. Lott was inducted into the New Jersey Sports Hall of Fame in 1978. Lott was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982. Honey Lott was one of the first female African American MLB players.
Honey Lott made her debut with the New York Black Yankees in 1948. She played her last game with the team in 1948. Honey Lott was a pitcher and outfielder. Honey Lott is most famous for her performance with the New York Black Yankees in 1948. Honey Lott later had a successful career in professional baseball.
Honey Lott passed away in 2012.
39. Anthony Cooper
Anthony Cooper was a shortstop who played in the Negro league for over 30 years. Cooper played for the Birmingham Black Barons in the late 1920s and early 1930s.
Cooper was a member of the all-time Negro league teams selected by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Cooper was also a member of the all-time Negro league teams selected by the Negro Baseball Hall of Fame.
Cooper died in 1979 at the age of 75. Anthony Cooper was one of the most accomplished players in Negro league baseball. He was a three-time all-star and a three-time batting champion. Cooper was a fast runner and a powerful hitter.
He was a hard worker who never quit on a play. Cooper was a pioneer in the Negro league and helped make it one of the most successful leagues in baseball. Cooper died in 1941 at the age of 36 after a long illness. He was a symbol of black America and was loved by all who knew him.
Cooper is considered one of the greatest Negro league players of all time. Cooper will always be remembered as one of the greatest players in Negro league history.
40. Art Hefner
Art Hefner was a center fielder who played for the Boston Red Sox in the 1930s. Hefner was one of the most successful players in Red Sox history, winning three World Series titles.
Hefner was also a successful ballplayer in the Negro Leagues, winning three MVP awards. Hefner died in 1988 at age 74.
He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1929. He was a pitcher for the New York Black Yankees in the Negro leagues and was the first black pitcher to play in the majors.
Hefner was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 1948 Negro leagues draft but never played for them. He played for the Philadelphia Stars in the Negro leagues from 1949 to 1949.
Hefner died on October 15, 2009 at the age of 84. He is best-known for being the first black pitcher to play in the major leagues and for his marriage to Playboy Playmate of the Year, Karen McDougal.
Hefner has been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame and the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He has two children, Christie Hefner and Cooper Hefner. Hefner is a member of the NAACP.
41. William Dumpson
Dumpson was a legendary pitcher in the Negro Leagues. He was a four-time MVP and led the league in strikeouts four times. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.
Dumpson died in 2014 at the age of 84. William Dumpson made his Negro league baseball debut with the New York Black Yankees in 1948. Dumpson would later play for the Chicago American Giants and the Indianapolis Clowns.
Dumpson was a versatile player, able to hit for power and average. Dumpson retired from baseball in 1957. Dumpson was a member of the Negro league baseball Hall of Fame. Dumpson died in 2002 at the age of 80.
42. Henry Kimbro
Career
- Batting average: .301
- Hits: 632
- Home runs: 29
- Runs batted in: 277
- Stolen bases: 65
- 7× All-Star (1941, 1943, 1944, 1946, 1947), Negro National League batting champion (1947)
Henry Kimbro was an outfielder for several Negro league baseball teams in the 1930s and 1940s. Kimbro was a successful player, winning several league championships and MVP awards.
Kimbro is most notable for his role in the integration of Negro league baseball, playing with white teams during the late 1940s. Kimbro died in 1999 at the age of 87. Henry Kimbro was a Hall of Fame caliber player in both the Negro and Major Leagues.
He was a six-time All-Star and batting champion in the Negro National League. Kimbro played for the Washington/Baltimore Elite Giants, New York Black Yankees, and Baltimore Elite Giants. He is one of just a few players in history to win batting titles in both the Negro and Major Leagues.
Kimbro was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972. He was a pioneer for African American players in the sport and was a driving force in the civil rights movement. Kimbro was an outstanding player and leader and is still highly respected today.
43. Curtis Henderson
Curtis Henderson was born in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1911. Henderson spent most of his playing career with the New York Yankees in the Negro leagues. Henderson was a consistent and productive hitter, batting over .300 in five of his six seasons with the Yankees.
Henderson was also a good fielder, making over 300 appearances at shortstop during his career. Henderson retired from playing in 1957 and later became a coach for the Yankees. He died in 1982 at the age of 70. Curtis Henderson was born in 1918 in Birmingham, Alabama.
Henderson played for the Homestead Grays from 1936 to 1946. Henderson was a center fielder and was known for his speed. Henderson was a member of the Negro Leagues All-Star Team in 1946. Henderson died in 2006.
44. William Sumrall
William Sumrall was born on December 4, 1916, in Deering, Missouri. Sumrall played Negro league baseball for the Cleveland Indians from 1946-1948. Sumrall was killed in a car accident on October 29, 1964, at the age of 47.
Sumrall was born in 1938 in New York City. Sumrall played with the New York Black Yankees in 1938. Sumrall then played with the Memphis Red Sox in 1940. Sumrall was a pitcher and played in 55 games. Sumrall had a record of 10-10 with a 3.48 ERA.
Sumrall died in 2002. Sumrall was inducted into the New York Black Yankees Hall of Fame in 1998. Sumrall is a member of the Harlem Globetrotters. Sumrall is the father of basketball player Reggie Sumrall.
Final Words
The New York Black Yankees were an iconic professional Negro League baseball team, founded in 1932. Although they only played for four seasons, they are still highly respected and considered one of the greatest teams of all time.
Their most famous players were Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson, who both won multiple MVP Awards and were both inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Other great players on the team include Willie Mays, Buck Leonard, and Don Newcombe. The Black Yankees are still fondly remembered today and their legacy will continue to be remembered for years to come.
