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Induction
Information
Elected to Hall of Fame by Veterans Committee in 1995,
Negro LeaguerBorn: October 30, 1916, in Alexandria,
Virginia
Died: March 13, 1995, in Baltimore, Maryland
Primary Position: Pitcher
Bats: R Throws: R
Played For: Baltimore Black Sox (1934), Brooklyn Eagles
(1935), Newark Eagles (1936-1939, 1941-1943, 1946), Baltimore Elite
Giants (1949-1950)
Bio
The Negro leagues' outstanding strikeout pitcher with a dominating
fastball and wicked curve, quiet Leon Day was the mainstay of the
Newark pitching staff in the late 1930s and 1940s. Also a superb
contact hitter and speedy baserunner, Day was versatile enough to
play second base or the outfield when he wasn't pitching. He spent
two years pitching on integrated Army teams during World War II, and
in his first game back with the Eagles in 1946, tossed a no-hitter
against the Philadelphia Stars.
Quote
"I would say he was the most complete ballplayer I've ever seen.
I've never seen a better athlete, never seen a better baseball
player all-around."
— Monte Irvin
Did You Know... that on July 23, 1942, Newark Eagles
pitcher Leon Day struck out 18 Baltimore Elite Giants to set a Negro
National League record? |