Homestead Grays

1 Sam Bankhead was an integral part of the Grays during the 1940s. He had a strong arm, knack for clutch hitting, and the ability to play almost any position. He appeared in seven East-West All-Star Games between 1933-46, during which time he batted .346. Ray Brown helped lead the Grays to eight pennants in nine years from 1937-45. Known for his tremendous breaking pitches, he ranks among the all-time Negro League leaders in wins, winning percentage, and shutouts, and he was selected to three East-West All-Star teams. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006. Clarence Bruce played second base for the Grays for two seasons. He was part of the 1948 Grays team that beat the Birmingham Black Barons four games to one to win the final Negro World Series. Josh Gibson is often compared to Babe Ruth and is considered one of the greatest hitters in baseball history. The catcher hit almost 800 home runs, including one that allegedly went 580 feet at Yankee Stadium. He also holds the record for the best single-season batting average of all-time at .441. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972. Vic Harris spent most of his career (23 years) with the Grays – first as an outfielder on teams in the late 1920s and early ’30s, and then as a player-manager on squads that captured nine consecutive pennants. Known as a smart hitter, he finished with a lifetime .299 batting average. Buck Leonard played his entire 15- year career with the Grays – the longest stint with one team in Negro Leagues history. The first baseman batted .320 with a .519 slugging percentage over his career and played in a league-record 11 East- West All-Star Games. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971. Willis Moody was an outfielder for the Grays for four seasons during the 1920s. His batting average during those years was a combined .316. Euthumn “Eudie” Napier played catcher for the Grays in 1941 and again from 1946-48. Known for his tremendous defense, he made all- star teams in 1947 and ’48. Willie Pope was a talented pitcher, who tossed a no-hitter for the Grays in 1947 against the New York Cubans. He was a member the 1948 Grays team that beat the Birmingham Black Barons in the final Negro World Series, including hitting a key triple during the series. Cumberland Posey, the Grays’ principal owner, spent 35 years in baseball as a player, manager, and owner, and club official. When he took control of the Grays in 1920, he turned them into a perennial power and profitable franchise. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006. “Smokey” Joe Williams is considered one of baseball’s best- ever pitchers. Hall of Famer Ty Cobb once said Williams would have been “a sure 30-game winner in the Major Leagues.” Thanks to his fastball, smooth motion, and great control, he once struck out 27 batters in a single game. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999. Jud Wilson was known throughout the Negro Leagues as “Boojum” because of the sound of his hits bouncing off outfield walls. The infielder hit .351 during his career, including several seasons over .400. He captained the renowned 1931 Grays team and was named to three East-West All-Star teams. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.