Author: Sunday Coming Black Baseball in Virginia, Mcfarland 2002. Dedicated to the research and preservation of Virginia's history of Black Baseball's players and teams. I grew up one property over from Armstead Hill home to the Ivy Virginia Eagles. Ivy diamond was an easy walk for most fans and ballplayers in the community. More than once I discovered foul balls in our front yard.
My writing and research efforts would be all the more challenging without the assistance of the remaining former ballplayers. They have been giving of their time from day one and inspirational in making this body of work a reality.
Sunday Coming is the story of black baseball in Virginia, written with the aid of a few remaining facts, and recreated through the words of the men who played, and whose spirited memories speak volumes for their love of baseball in a bygone era. It is titled "Black Baseball" to differenti ate play in the sandlots from that in the professional Negro leagues that existed between 1920 and 1950.
From Winchester to Tidewater, Danville to Fairfax, black baseball was the longest-running form of entertainment and recreation in the black communities of the Old Dominion. For those able to recall the enduring tradition, it is the most talked about and treasured topics. For five decades Virginia's black teams played their form of Negro League baseball in rural pastures, cleared-out forested properties, city parks, and, for a fortunate few, in minor league stadiums.
The characters and humble facilities mirrored the essence of what evolved into the professional Negro Leagues. It was the same fast-paced play and showmanship, complemented by descriptive nicknames such as "Preacher" and "Rooster."
Black baseball in Virginia was family and community baseball through Jim Crow segregation, the Civil Rights movement, and the early stages of integration. Nearly every community statewide had at least one black baseball team between 1930 and 1970. The ball team carried the ban ner of the community, so that communities became synonymous with the baseball team and the families who filled out the team.
1939
Richmond Royal Giants
Richmond VA.
Benjamin Puller, manager.
Rocky Mount Monarchs
Rocky Mount N.C.
William A. Bryant booking agent.
Kinston Grays
Kinston N.C.
William Foye, booking agent.
High Point Red Sox
High Point N.C.
Dr. H.C. Eccles, booking agent.
Philadelphia Stars
Darby PA.
Edward Bolden, owner
Homestead Grays
Homestead PA.
Ethiopian Clowns
N. Tarrytown N.Y.
Syd Pollock, booking agent
Pearson’s Allstars
Alexandria VA
Berkley Braves
Norfolk VA
Allen Wilson, booking agent
Washington Senators
Portsmouth VA
Joseph Faulk, manager
Belleville Grays
Portsmouth VA
Benjamin H. Young, booking agent
M. & W. Giants
Norfolk VA
Carl Surrat, booking agent
Tidewater Giants
Newport News VA
Harry Mills, manager
Newark Eagles
Newark N.J.
Abe Manley, owner
Bladenboro Tigers
Bladenboro N.C.
Ted Reynolds, manager
New Bern Cubs
New Bern N.C.
William Jones, booking agent
Rocky Mount Black Swans
Rocky Mount N.C.
Chas. D. Leonard, booking agent
1940
Ahoskie Black Hawks
Ahoskie N.C.
Allen B. Wilson, booking agent
Berkley Braves
Norfolk VA
A. B. Wilson, manager
Tidewater Giants
Newport News VA
Willie White, manager
Norfolk Cubs
Norfolk VA
James Booth, manager
Portsmouth Dodgers
Portsmouth VA
James Staten, business manager
Plymouth Tigers
Plymouth N.C.
A. Jeannette, manager
Suffolk Aces
Suffolk VA
Thomas James, booking agent
Suffolk Giants
Suffolk VA
Charles Brown, booking agent
Oxford Braves
Oxford N.C.
James Holden, booking agent
Gary Grays
Gary WV
John Barksdale, booking agent
Gilmerton Black Sox
Gilmerton VA
Bryant Sleight, business manager
Fighting Rebels
Norfolk VA
Junius Roberts, booking agent
Roanoke Cardinals
Roanoke VA
John “Chappie” Sims, manager
Kinston Grays
Kinston N.C.
B. D. Leonard, manager
Long Ridge Sox
Hickory VA
Jesse Jones, booking agent
Eagles Baseball Club
Winston-Salem N.C.
W.B. Bitting, booking agent
Colored House of David
Greensboro N.C.
Archie Robinson, booking agent
1943
Campostella Braves A.A
Norfolk VA
Robert Wilson, manager
Camp Pickett Warriors
Blackstone VA
Lt. Basil Oliver, booking agent
Capital City Elks
Richmomd VA
Joe Miles, manager
West Norfolk Slides
West Norfolk VA
Larry Drumgold, manager
Oak Leaf Giants
Norfolk VA
William King, manager
Charlotte Red Sox
Charlotte N.C.
Sam Douglas, manager
Norfolk Allstars
Norfolk VA
William Manley, manager
Portsmouth Senators
Portsmouth VA
Pete Wilder, manager
Uptown Clowns
Portsmouth VA
Jesse Braxton, booking agent
Churchland White Sox
Churchland VA
Willie Johnson, manager
Ellerson Tigers
Hanover Virginia
Henry G. Chambliss, manager
Raleigh Tigers
Raleigh N.C.
William Bridgers, manager
Fire Fighters Ball Club
Elizabeth City N.C.
E.V.C. Alexander, booking agent
MT. Hermon Boosters
Portsmouth VA
Eddie Joyce, manager
Portsmouth Hoboes
Portsmouth VA
Edward Joyner, manager
Twin Pine Tigers
Churchland VA
Odell Loney, manager
Elizabeth City Woodpeckers
Elizabeth City N.C.
James Davenport, booking agent
Norfolk Tigers
Norfolk VA
Carl Dudley, booking agent
Durham Redcaps
Durham N.C.
Dock Jenkins, booking agent
Suffolk Aces
Suffolk VA
Thomas E. James, manager
Gilmerton Esquires
Portsmouth VA
Leroy Winston, manager
Carolina Black Hawks
Ahoskie N.C.
Roscoe Moore, manager
1950
Carolina Bees, L.C Everett, manager
Asheboro N.C.
Bristol Blue Sox, Jimmie Spann, manager
Bristol VA
Liberty Park Aces, E.L. Ratliff, manager
Norfolk VA
Sportsman Athletics, C. Swann, manager
Portsmouth VA
Sportsman Tigers, J. Harris, manager
Norfolk VA
Richmond Eagles, L. Robinson, manager
Richmond VA
Winston Salem Indians, Z. Wilson, manager
Winston Salem N.C.
Raleigh Grays, W. A. Wilder, manager
Raleigh N.C.
Winston Salem Stars, A. Alexander, manager
Winston Salem N.C.
Battling Palms, L. Gray, manager
Norfolk VA
Norfolk-Western Giants, J. Thornton, manager
Norfolk VA
Norfolk County Aces, J. Fogg, manager
Norfolk VA
Norfolk Orioles, R. Owens, manager
Norfolk VA
Esquire Club, S. R. Wilson, manager
Millers Tavern VA
Blandenboro Blue Caps, L. Davis, manager
Bladenboro N.C.
Danville Athletes, P. Ross, manager
Danville VA
Roanoke Tigers, A. Hodnett, manager
Roanoke VA
Norfolk Badgers, W. Wyatt, manager
Norfolk VA
Covington Colts, W. Burke, manager
Covington VA
Silver Moon Tigers, W. A. Gailes, manager
Asheboro N.C.
Philadelphia Giants, G. M. Victory, manager
Philadelphia PA
Dupont Grays, W.B. Woodson, manager
Waynesboro VA
Edenton Sluggers,
Edenton N.C.
Washington Aztecs, T. Brown, manager
Washington D.C.
Norfolk Eagles, P. Tanner, manager
Norfolk VA
Virginia’s Negro League Players
Norman Earl Banks, Richmond Virginia
2b,3b, Capital City Elks; 1945 Newark Eagles
Harry Butts, Suffolk Virginia; p, Suffolk Aces,
1949 Indianapolis Clowns; Minor Leagues 1952,
1953 Vancouver, Portsmouth, Richmond, Piedmont
League
Robert “Eggie” Clarke, Richmond Virginia; C,1b,ss,
Mgr; Richmond Giants 1922-23; 1923-32 Baltimore
Black Sox, New York Black Yankees 1933-1940; Baltimore
Elite Giants, 1941-46 Philadelphia Stars
James Crump, Norfolk Virginia 2b,
Norfolk Giants, Washington Braves;
1921-24 Hilldale Dasies, Philadelphia
Giants; 1925-38 Negro National League
umpire
Ray Dandridge, Richmond Virginia
3b, Richmond Allstars
1933-49 Newark Eagles, New York Cubans
John Davis, Ashland Virginia
Of, P, Mohawk Giants(N.Y.) Newport News Royals,
Newark Eagles 1941-48
Macajah Marchand “Mack” Eggleston, Roanoke Virginia
C, Of, 3b 1919-1934 Dayton Giants, Hilldale Daisies, Harrisburg Giants
Homestead Grays, Nashville Elites, Baltimore Elites, Philadelphia Stars
Jim Elam, Richmond Virginia
P, if, Better Business Boosters
1943 Newark Eagles
Wilmer “Red” Fields, Manassas Virginia
Virginia State college
1941-49 p, 3b, of Homestead Grays
Albert “Buster” Haywood, Portsmouth Virginia
C, Belleville Grays
1940-50 Chicago American Giants, Cincinnati-Indianapolis Clowns
Henderson, Chauncey “Rats” Richmond Virginia
P, Richmond Giants 1922, 23 Atlantic City Bacharach Giants, 1923-29
Detroit Stars 1931
Lester Jackson, Richmond Virginia
Mgr, P Ashland Tigers
Of, Newark Eagles 1938, New York Black Yankees, 1940,41
James “Peewee” Jenkins, Farmville Virginia
P, Farmville Giants, 1946-50 New York Cubans
William Percy Miller Jr., Danville Virginia
Of, Danville Aces, Danville Allstars, Jacksonville Eagles NSL,
Carolina Minor Leagues, Danville Leafs 1951
Charles “mule” Peete, Franklin Virginia
Of, Indianapolis Clowns 1950, Minor Leagues 50,51
St. Louis Cardinals 1956
Vernon “Big Six” Riddick, Norfolk Virginia
SS, Norfolk Tars
1941 Newark Eagles
Ray Robinson, Richmond Virginia
P, Richmond Cardinals(Price Athletic Club)
1938,41 Newark Eagles, Philadelphia Stars 1947
Leon “Lassies” Ruffin, Portsmouth Virginia
C, Belleville Grays
1936-50 Newark Eagles, Pittsburgh Crawfords, Philly Stars
Robert T. Walker, Little Washington Virginia
P, Washington Monarchs
1945-49 Homestead Grays
Charles Henry “Lefty” Williams, Madison County Virginia
P, 1915-1934 Homestead Grays
Pete Hill, Rapidan Virgina, Culpeper County
* Compiled from listings in Robert Peterson’s Only the Ball was White, and James Riley’s Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Baseball Leagues.
Player Register, Black Baseball in Virginia
1930-1980
Abell, Clarence C Crozet Allstars, Ivy Eagles
Agee, Charles 2B Buckingham Grays
Agee, Floyd Buckingham Grays
Agee, Joseph (P) Keene Colts
Agee, Randolph Buckingham Grays
Akers, Herbert, C, Spotslvania Tigers
Akers, John (P) Spotslvania Tigers, Orange Nats
Alexander, Forrest(Duke) Avon Twins
Alexander, Howard (P) Avon Wrecking Crew, Avon Twins, Avon A’s
Allen, Jimbo Avon Allstars
Anthony, Michael Barboursville Giants
Anthony, Robert, Barboursville Giants
Armstead, John, SS, C, Mgr. Ivy Eagles
Armstead, Sterling Ivy Eagles
Armstead, William(Willie Wee) Ivy Eagles
Arrington, Jimmy 2B Madison Orioles
Arrington, Paul 3B Madison Orioles
Avery, Pete C, RF, 1B Gordonsville Eagles, Kelly's Allstars
Awkard, Brad, 2B, Avon Twins, Avon A’s
Awkard, Kenneth, 1B (P) Avon A’s
Awkard, Len (P) Dupont Grays, Greenfields, Avon Allstars
Awkard, Marshton (P) Avon Wrecking Crew
Aylor, Bill(P) 1B, Little Washington Monarchs, Sperryville Tigers
Aylor, Reg Sperryville Yellow Jackets
Aylor, Sam LF,C 1B Mgr. Sperryville Tigers
Aylor, William (Moody) 3B Mgr. Sperryville Tigers
Baker, Freddie Barboursville Giants
Baker, T.B. Nellysford, Massies Mill Cubs
Banks, Arthur Kelly's All-Stars
Banks, John C Madison Orioles
Banks, Marshall, Culpeper Dragons
Bannister, James (P) Orange Nats
Barbour, Chris (P) 3B Ivy Eagles
Barbour, Frank (P) SS Ivy Eagles
Barbour, Hildrie, SS, OF, Greenwood Hawks
Barbour, Kenneth (K.B) 2B Ivy Eagles
Barbour, Payton SS Madison Orioles
Barbour, Stanley (Greasy) Ivy Eagles
Barratt, "Doc" Keswick Dodgers
Bates, Carroll C Cismont Braves, Barboursville Giants
Bates, Johnny Gordonsville Eagles
Beasley, Lawrence 2B Madison
Beasley, Robert (P) Madison
Beasley, Willie (P) Madison
Beasley,Willie Barboursville Giants
Bell, Herman Shipman Angels, Massies Mill Cubs
Berkley, Percell(Red) OF Charlottesville Squeeze-Ins
Berkley, Teddy Avon Twins, Avon A’s
Blair, David C Waynesboro
Blair, G.G. 1B, Dupont Grays, Avon Wrecking Crew
Blair, James Greenwood Hawks, Lyndhurst
Blakey Hiram LF Madison Orioles
Blakey, Charley Kelly's All-Stars
Blakey, Wilson (P) Harrisonburg Nationals, Harrisonburg AC's
Boswell, Vincent (P) Covesville Astros
Bowie?
Bowles, Roger 3B (P) Wilmington Eagles, University of Richmond
Boyd, Frank, (P) Roanoke Black Cardinals
Brackett, Tyrone South Garden Tigers
Bridges, Arthur SS Washington Monarchs
Briscoe, Henry(Red) Richmond Cardinals, Virginia State University
Brock, Burrell Barboursville Giants
Brock, Robert Barboursville Giants
Brock,Vance SS Barboursville Giants
Brooks, David (P) inf, Wilmington Eagles, University of Richmond
Brooks, Harry, Greenwood Hawks
Brown, Emanuel Keene Colts
Brown, Clarence, SS, Roanoke Black Cardinals
Brown, George, CF, Roanoke Black Cardinals
Brown, Henry, Wintergreen
Brown, Homer 1B (P) Greenwood Hawks
Brown, James(Rat) Asst. Mgr. Charlottesville Squeeze-Ins
Brown, Joe Orange Nats
Brown, Lloyd(Booty) Brown (P) Charlottesville Squeeze-Ins
Brown, Robert Jr. 3B, Wilmington Eagles
Brown, Robert Sr. Mgr. 3B Wilmington Eagles
Buckner, "Big Sam" 1B, Mgr Barboursville Giants
Bumbry, Al, Stafford, Baltimore Orioles
Burgess, Don(Stove Pipe, Rooster) (P) Harrisonburg AC's, Elkton
Burgess, Ron (P) Harrisonburg AC’s
Burgess, Roscoe C, Harrisonburg AC’s, Commisioner/Shen-Valley League
Burton, Addie Mgr. Avon Allstars
Burton, Curtis Covesville Tigers
Burton, Edward, C, Avon Wrecking Crew
Burton, Gene North Garden, Chesnut Grove
Burton, Harold, South Garden Tigers
Burton, Lloyd South Garden Tigers
Burton, Randall C North Garden, South Garden Tigers
Byers ,Curtis South Garden Tigers
Byers, Clinton C South Garden Tigers
Byers, Donald, 1B South Garden Tigers, Wilmington Eagles, Charlottesville Royals
Cabell, Bobby Massies Mill
Cabell, Bud Kelly's All-Stars
Carey, Bernard Kelly's All-Stars
Carey, Cyril OF Wilmington Eagles
Carey, Mike LF Wilmington Eagles
Carpenter, John 3B Madison Indians, Madison Orioles ,Barboursville Giants
Carter William (P) Little Washington Monarchs, Sperryville Tigers
Carter, Howard C Covesville Tigers
Carter, Jake Culpeper Dragons
Carter, Lewis SS Crozet Allstars
Carter, Mitchell (P) South Garden Tigers
Carter, Richard Crozet Allstars
Chambers, Willie (P) Buckingham Grays
Chisholm, Linwood(Chuck) IF Kelly-AllStars, Charlottesville Squeeze-Ins
Clanagan Bobby (P) Little Washington Monarchs
Clanagan David OF, SS Little Washington Monarchs
Clark, Chester Sr. Wintergreen
Clark, Phillip, Avon Wrecking Crew
Clark, Roger, Avon Twins, Avon A’s
Clark, Walter, Avon Wrecking Crew
Clark, Willie, Avon Wrecking Crew
Coleman, Marcellus(P) Cismont Braves, Wilmington Eagles
Coles, William(Colesy) OF Charlottesville Squeeze-Ins
Collins, George, Mgr. Crozet Allstars, Greenwood Hawks
Collins, Johnny Barboursville Giants
Conn, Asher(Gingus) (P) Charlottesville Squeeze-Ins
Cotrell, Frank, Shipman Spiders
Coward, Bud C, 2B Kelly Allstars
Crawford, "Doc" Wintergreen
Crawford, "Monk" Wintergreen
Crosson, James, “Boo”, 3B, Roanoke Black Cardinals
Dabney, Joe, Wilmington Eagles
Davis, Charles(Buddy) Barboursville Giants
Davis, Donald Buckingham Grays
Davis, Greg, Barboursville Giants
Davis, Jimmy, Barboursville Giants
Davis, Keith CF Barboursville Giants
Davis, Matthew, (Mack) (P) 2B, CF, Barboursville Giants
Davis, Ricky, SS, Barboursville Giants, Bridgewater College
Davis, Stanley, OF, Barboursville Giants
Davis, Walker Barboursville Giants
Dawson, Richard, OF, Roanoke Black Cardinals
Dickerson, "Brownie" (P) Gordonsville Eagles
Diggs, Doswell(Junior) Mgr. Avon Wrecking Crew, Avon Twins
Diggs, Kenny C Avon A’s, Staunton Braves
Diggs, Sidney (P) 2B, Greenwood Hawks, Lyndhurst, Avon Wrecking Crew, Avon Twins
Doffelmeyer, Larry, SS, C, Barboursville Giants, Shenandoah
Douglas, Charles(Doll Baby) IF Charlottesville Squeeze-Ins
Douglas, William Charlottesville Squeeze-Ins
Douglas, William (Locust) C Charlottesville Squeeze-Ins
Douglass, Dale (P) Spotslvania Tigers
Dowell, Curtis Covesville Tigers, South Garden Tigers
Dowell, Early (P) 1B Mgr. Covesville Tigers
Dowell, Haywood 3B, (P) Covesville Tigers
Dowell, Jim(King Bee) C, OF, 1B, Mgr. North Garden, Covesville Tigers, Covesville Astros
Dowell, Joe Covesville Astros
Dowell, Lee (P) North Garden, Covesville Tigers, Covesville Astros
Dowell, Lenny (P) 1B North Garden, Covesville Tigers, Covesville Astros
Dowell, Rufus (Junky) (P) Covesville Tigers, Covesville Astros
Dowell, William (P) South Garden Tigers, Covesville Astros, Elkton
Doyle, Curt 1B, (P) Avon A's
Doyle, Phil, (P) Avon A's
Dudley, Sterling(Boo) (P) Charlottesville Squeeze-Ins
Durrette, Ernest, 1B, Avon Wrecking Crew
Durrette, George, C, Avon Wrecking Crew
Durrette, Wesley Dean (P) Crozet Allstars(Jr.Team)
Durrette, Wilson, OF, Avon Wrecking Crew
Dyer, Moses Jr. Greenwood Hawks
Dyer, Moses III Avon A's, Covesville Astros
Easly, Howard, 1B, Roanoke Black Cardinals
Edwards, Steve (P) Wilmington Eagles
Estes, John Keswick Dodgers, Charlottesville Squeeze-Ins
Eubanks, Larry Keene Colts
Feggans, Ben Esmont Giants
Feggans, Lloyd (P) Esmont Giants
Fields, Welford 2B Madison Indians
Fippen, Harry(Buck) 3B, Avon Wrecking Crew
Fisher, Frankie(P) Avon Wrecking Crew
Fitch, Joe, Wintergreen
Fitch, Randolph, Wintergreen
Fletcher, Hampton (P) Little Washington Monarchs, Sperryville Tigers
Foster, Abe Shipman Angels
Franklin, Edward C Wilmington Eagles
Franklin, George, Roanoke Black Cardinals
Franklin, Mel, Roanoke Black Cardinals
Franklin, Paul Jr. 2B Wilmington Eagles
Franklin, Paul Sr. Mgr Wilmington Eagles
Franklin, Ralph RF,CF Wilmington Eagles
Freeman, Arthur C Little Washington Monarchs
Freeman, Jay (Meat hook) LF Sperryville Tigers
Frye, Bradley LF Madison Indians
Frye, Bradley RF Madison Orioles
Frye, Frank, Madison Orioles, Ivy Eagles
Frye, Fred, CF, Mgr, Madison Orioles
Frye, Jesse CF Sperryville Tigers
Frye, Johnny C, P Madison Indians, Barboursville Giants, Madison Orioles
Frye, Lewis (Race Horse) CF Kelly's Allstars, Madison Indians, Barboursville Giants, Ivy Eagles
Frye, Stoney Sperryville Tigers
Gaines, Elmo Massies Mill Cubs
Gaines, Fletcher Jr. Massies Mill Cubs
Gaines, Fletcher Sr. Mgr. Massies Mill Cubs
Gardner, Bobby Keene Colts
Gardner, Wayne Keene Colts
Garrett, John 1B Buckingham Grays
Garrett, Moses (P) Buckingham Grays
Gentry, Buck (P) Covesville Astros
Gilbert, Theodore (Creeper) Asst. Mgr. Charlottesville Squeeze-Ins
Giles, Alex 1B Massies Mill Giants, Cubs
Giles, Jahosapha (P) Massies Mill Giants
Giles, John (Buster) (P) Massies Mill Giants
Giles, Roger (P) Massies Mill Giants
Giles, Wallace (P) Massies Mill Giants
Glasgow, Arthur(Dolly) Little Washington Monarchs
Glasgow, Ellis, Mgr. Little Washington Monarchs
Glover, Robert (Slick) RF, SS Kelly's Allstars
Goodwin, Charley, Wintergreen
Gray, Donald, Esmont Giants, North Garden, South Garden Tigers
Gray, Willie, Esmont Giants, North Garden, South Garden Tigers
Hackley, Leroy, Culpeper Dragons
Hall, Eulie, (P) B.B. Boosters
Hamilton, George, OF, Roanoke Black Cardinals
Harper, Stanley 2B, SS, Avon Wrecking Crew
Harris, Melvin Shipman Angels
Harris, William 2B Madison Orioles
Hawkins, Montague (P) Cismont Braves
Hearns, Sammy C Fork Union, Kelly's All-Stars
Henderson, Albert SS, Covesville Tigers
Henderson, Allen Covesville Tigers, Covesville Astros
Henderson, Arthur Covesville Astros
Henderson, Edward C Covesville Tigers, Mgr. Cismont Braves, Covesville Astros
Henderson, Harold LF, Covesville Astros
Henderson, James Jr. (Peewee) OF,C Covesville Astros
Henderson, James Sr. Covesville Tigers
Henderson, Luther (P) Covesville Tigers
Henderson, Robert, OF, Covesville Tigers, Covesville Astros
Henderson, Samuel OF, Covesville Tigers
Hendricks, Bernard Mgr. Ivy Eagles
Hill, Eddie (P) Crozet Allstars
Hill, Sammy Crozet Allstars
Hogans, Francis 1B Little Washington Monarchs
Holland, Al Sr. 1B-OF, Roanoke Black Cardinals
Howard, Herman 2B, OF, Avon Allstars, Ivy Eagles
Howard, Pete (P) Crozet Allstars
Howard, Randolph (P) Orange Nats
Howard, Roger C Greenwood Hawks, Avon Twins
Hudson, Bobby Massies Mill Cubs
Hudson, Don Massies Mill Giants
Hudson, Eddie (P) Massies Mill Cubs, Avon Allstars
Hughes, Brian Barboursville Giants
Hughes, Thomas Mgr. Amherst
Humes, Clarence SS, 2B Orange Nats
Humes, Moses Orange Nats
Inge, Roger, OF, Covesville Astros
Ivory, Henry Ivy Eagles, Crozet Allstars
Ivory, Johnny 2B Ivy Eagles
Ivory, Larry CF Ivy Eagles
Ivory, Louis Ivy Eagles
Jackson, Alex, OF, Avon Wrecking Crew
Jackson, Alvin (P) Avon Wrecking Crew
Jackson, Archie, Keene Colts
Jackson, Donald, C, Avon Wrecking Crew
Jackson, General 2B Reva Aces
Jackson, Hugh (P) Barboursville Giants
Jackson, John R. (Skeebo) LF, (P)Avon Wrecking Crew, Avon Twins, Avon A's
Jackson, Ray (Shotgun) (P) Sperryville Tigers
Jackson, Robert (P) Avon Wrecking Crew, Avon Twins
Jackson, Roger Orange Nats
Jackson, Roy CF Culpeper Dragons, Sperryville Tigers
Jackson, Strother Jr.(Big Red) (P) Madison Orioles, Barboursville Giants
Jackson, Strother Sr. Madison Indians
James, Freddie Wilmington Eagles
Johnson, Butchy Covesville Astros
Johnson, David OF, C (P) Covesville Astros
Johnson, Garfield Barboursville Giants
Johnson, Gilbert(Rabbit) CF, Covesville Astros
Johnson, James Jr. OF Sperryville Tigers
Johnson, James RF Madison Orioles
Johnson, Lawrence L. (Puggy) (P) Covesville Astros
Johnson, Louis Keswick Allstars
Johnson, Paul Covesville Astros
Johnson, Robert Culpeper Dragons
Johnson, Robert RF Madison Orioles
Johnson, William (P) South Garden Tigers, Wilmington Eagles
Jones, Charlie Mgr. Kelly Allstars
Jones, Frank Ivy Eagles
Jones, James Buckingham Grays
Jones, Jim, 2B, Roanoke Black Cardinals
Jones, John Buckingham Grays
Jones, Junious Buckingham Grays
Jones, Lewis Buckingham Grays
Jones, Percell(Rabbit) OF Charlottesville Squeeze-Ins
Jones, Powell C, Buckingham Grays
Jones, Raymond Ivy Eagles
Jones, Stanley Buckingham Grays
Jones, Ted Buckingham Grays
Jordan, George, Sperryville Yellow Jackets, Front Royal
Jordan, Henry, Sperryville Yellow Jackets, Front Royal Kelly, Aaron, Kelly’s Allstars
Kelly, Harry RF,(P) Kelly Allstars
Kelly, James CF Kelly Allstars
Kelly, Leroy Kelly Allstars
Kelly, Levi Kelly Allstars
Kelly, Louis Greenwood Hawks, Crozet Allstars
Kelly, Raleigh 3B Kelly Allstars
Kelly, Riley Kelly Allstars
Kidd, Jerry, Wilmington Eagles
Kilby, Justin, Sperryville Tigers
Kirby, Rodney 3B, C, South Garden Tigers, Covesville Astros
Koontz, Avis Harrisonburg AC’s
Lane, Charley, Mgr. Culpeper Dragons
Lawson, Frederick (P) Little Washington Monarchs
Lee, Bernard Purceville
Lee, Bobby Harrisonburg AC’s
Lee, Jack, Wintergreen
Lewis, William (Little Willie) Charlottesville Dodgers, Charlottesville Squeeze-Ins
Lewis, Willy Sr. C Kelly's Allstars
Ligon, Alphonso C Massies Mill Giants
Ligon, Fulton Mgr. Massies Mill Giants
Lindsay, Curtis C, (P) Madison
Lindsay, Russell (P) Madison
Long, Roy 2B Orange Nats
Lynch, Clyde(P) Avon Wrecking Crew
Mallory, Joe LF Madison Orioles
Mallory, John C Madison Orioles
Martin, Alfred 1B,SS (P) Charlottesville Dodgers, Charlottesville Squeeze-Ins, South Garden Tigers, Wilmington Eagles
Martin, Arthur 3B OF Wilmington Eagles
Martin, Joe (P) Covesville Tigers
Martin, Lloyd SS Wilmington Eagles
Martin, Paul CF Wilmington Eagles
Maupin, William (Bill) Ivy Eagles
Mayo, George (P) 1B, Ivy Eagles
Mayo, George Jr.(Took) (P) 1B, C, Ivy Eagles, Covesville Astros, Greenwood
Miles, Charles Shipman Angels
Miles, James Shipman Angels
Mills, James(Jimmy) OF Charlottesville Squeeze-Ins
Minor, Bill (P) Keswick Dodgers, Charlottesville Squeeze-Ins, Wilmington Eagles
Moore, Max (Doc) OF Keswick Dodgers, Barboursville Giants
Morton, Wilson OF Barboursville Giants
Mosby, Isaiah 1B Covesville Tigers
Murray, Freddie(Flip) Mgr. Charlottesville Squeeze-Ins
Murrill, Mettress Orange Nats
Napier, Massie C, OF Massies Mill Cubs
Nelson, Ivanhoe, OF, C, (P) North Garden, South Garden, Covesville, Keene, Nellysford
Nelson, Powhatan, Culpeper Dragons, Orange Nats
Nelson, Warren, Culpeper Dragons, Orange Nats
Nickerson, Gary (P) Keene Colts
Nickerson, Mick Keene Colts
Nowell, Johnny (P) OF, South Garden, Charlottesville
Oliver, Herbert Buckingham Grays
Page, Don Esmont Giants
Page, Edgar (P) Esmont Giants
Parker, William SS Sperryville Tigers
Payne, Alphonso (P) Wilmington Eagles
Payne, Charles (P) Wilmington Eagles
Payne, Clarence 3B Wilmington Eagles
Payne, Darnell (P) Wilmington Eagles
Payne, Herman Wilmington Eagles
Payne, James 1B, C Wilmington Eagles
Payne, Lawrence Wilmington Eagles
Payne, Theodore (Buck) (P) Wilmington Eagles
Perkins, James Jr. (Man) 1B Ivy
Perkins, James Sr. (P) Ivy James (P) Ivy
Perrow, Curtis, North Garden, Ivy Eagles, Shipman Angels, Massies Mill Cubs
Perrow, Mel CF, North Garden, Ivy Eagles, Shipman Angels, Massies Mill Cubs
Porter, Jeff OF,Inf Sperryville Tigers
Preston, William Kelly's All-Stars
Price, John Henry (P) Culpeper Dragons
Ragland, James Crozet Allstars
Reed, George(Pop) CF Cumberland Sluggers
Reid Dan C,LF Kelly Allstars
Rice, Fred, C, Roanoke Black Cardinals
Robertson, Lawrence 3B Cumberland Sluggers
Robertson, William(Rabbit) LF Cumberland Sluggers
Robinson, Bobby L. Orange Nats
Robinson, Charles, Orange Nats
Robinson, Clarence LF Orange
Robinson, Ronald SS Orange Nats
Robinson, William, 2B, SS, Roanoke Black Cardinals
Ross, Rusty (P) Wilmington Eagles
Scott, Albert(Buster) (P) Esmont Giants
Scott, Edward 3B Orange Nats
Scott, Herman(Lefty) (P) Tidewater Giants, Norfolk Black Tars, Birmingham Barons
Scott, Hugo Mgr. Barboursville, Sec. Shen-Valley League
Scott, Larry Shipman
Scott, Otis Esmont
Shanks, Henry Reva Aces, Culpeper Dragons, Sperryville Tigers
Shanks, Robert SS Reva Aces
Shanks, William Sr.(Billy) (P) Reva Aces, Culpeper Dragons
Shelton, George (Chico) (P) Charlottesville
Shelton, Nathaniel(Pat) IF Charlottesville
Shelton, Tim RF (P) Wilmington
Sheridan, Steve CF Wilmington, Bridgewater College
Shifflett, Charles (P) OF Crozet, Greenwood
Simmons, Bill (P) Massies Mill
Simms, Newman 3B Madison
Sims, Arthur (Pop) C, (P) Greenwood
Sims, Bernard (P) 1B Greenwood
Sims, Charles OF Avon
Sims, Edward(Dopey) 3B, RF, Greenwood, Charlottesville
Sims, Esters (Preacher) (P) Greenwood, Avon Twins
Staunton Braves, Waynesboro Generals, Waynesboro Generals
Sims, George (P) Crozet, Greenwood
Sims, Harvey OF, C Greenwood, Ivy
Sims, Leroy, Greenwood, Avon
Sims, Russell Elgie Jr. SS, Greenwood, Avon
Sims, Russell “Elgie B”. Sr. (P) SS, Greenwood
Sims, Stuart(Turkey) 3b, Greenwood Hawks, Avon Twins
Sims, William J. (Winky) OF Greenwood
Slaughter, Bobby RF Sperryville Tigers
Slaughter, Richard 1B, (P) C, OF Reva Aces, Minor Leagues-Batavia, Sperryville Tigers
Smith, Alexander Jr. (Alec) 2B Covesville Astros
Smith, Clarence Sr. Covesville Tigers
Smith, Clarence Jr. Covesville Astros
Smith, Earl (P) Covesville
Smith, Eldridge Kelly's All-Stars
Smith, Elwood C Covesville
Smith, Herman O. Barboursville
Smith, Herman W. Barboursville
Smith, John Covesville
Smith, Michael OF Covesville, South Garden
Smith, Peyton Covesville
Smith, Sidney (P) Buckingham
Snead "Ned" (P) Orange Black Sox, Orange Nats
Snead, Andrew C Orange
Snead, Clarence SS, C Orange
Spears, Ernest Crozet
Spears, Jackie (Moon) OF Charlottesville Dodgers, , Squeeze-Ins
Spottswood, Jack SS Madison Indians
Spottswood, Warren 1B Madison Indians
Spruill, Tony, (P) Belleville Grays, Portsmouth Senators
Staton, Curtis (P) Buckingham
Staton, James 2B Buckingham
Steppe, Herman C Crozet
Stevens, John Emmit OF Covesville
Stevens, Leroy C, SS Covesville, Mgr. South Garden
Stevens, Wayne South Garden
Stokey, Rufus (P) Crozet
Swales, Herbert (P) Madison Orioles
Talioferro, Jackie RF Madison
Taylor, Francis, Madison, Keene
Taylor, George 1B Little Washington Monarchs
Taylor, Roy (P) Harrisonburg
Temple, Theodore Harrisonburg
Terrill, Robert(Red) RF, (P) Orange
Thacker, Jerry(Junior) (P) Ivy
Thomas, Leroy C Esmont
Thompson, Edward (P) Avon
Timley, Charles 1B Crozet Allstars
Tolliver, Lewis (Ace, Dirty Red) (P) Kelly Allstars
Trice, Lonnie SS Wilmington
Trice, Tudie (P) Wilmington
Turner, John Nellysford
Turner, Raymond, OF, South Garden
Turpin, Philip SS Wilmington
Twyman Nelson C, (P) Madison Orioles
Vaughn, Ben (P) Massies Mill Giants
Vest, Carl Lee Covesville
Vest, James(P) Covesville, South Garden
Vest, Robert Shipman
Via, Wayne Covesville
Walker, Albert G. Crozet
Walker, Harry Ivy
Walker, Robert T.(P) Little Washington, Homestead Grays
Walker, Zeke SS C,Mgr. Orange
Wallace, David Avon
Wallace, Henry Avon
Wallace, John CF, Avon
Wallace, Monk, Avon
Wallace, Russell OF, (P) Greenwood Avon
Waller, Alexander (Crow) C Ivy
Waller, David Ivy
Waller, Henry Jr. (Bubba) (P) Ivy
Waller, Henry Sr. Mgr, Ivy Eagles
Waller, James (Boo) (P) Ivy (P), SS Ivy
Walton, Mike 2B (P) Wilmington, University of Richmond
Walton, Reno (P) Wilmington, Manatee Jr. College FL
Ward, Dick C Madison
Ward, Juicy 1B Madison
Ware, Chinn 1B Orange
Ware, Howard Orange
Ware, Robert (Butter) CF Orange
Ware, Walter Orange
Washington, Bernard North Garden, Covesville
Washington, James (J.E) (P) Mgr. Orange
Washington, Joseph (peewee) OF Greenwood, Ivy
Washington, Kenneth, Avon Twins
Washington, Laif (P) Harrisonburg
Washington, Lester Crozet
Washington, Lester(Flash) Crozet
Washington, Russell Crozet
Watkins, Vernon (Junior) (P) Orange Nats
Watts, Robert Greenwood
Wells, Andrew (P) OF Covesville
Wells, Massie, Asst. Mgr. Avon
Wheeler, Lawrence Shipman
Whindelton, Merideth(Butch) South Garden
White, Frank Greenfield, Greenwood
White, George Greenwood
Whitelow, Clarency Harrisonburg
Whitelow, Junious (Junior) 1B, Mgr. Harrisonburg
Whiting, Ricky, C, Ivy Eagles Eagles
Williams, Charles Jr. SS Little Washington Monarchs, OF, Mgr Sperryville Tigers
Williams, Charles Sr. Sperryville Yellow Jackets
Williams, David 3B Madison Orioles
Williams, Frank Covesville
Williams, John Sperryville Yellow Jackets
Williams, Malcom, 3B, Roanoke Black Cardinals
Williams, Thomas(Dootley) SS Sperryville Tigers
Williams, Tom(P) Sperryville Yellow Jackets
Wilson, Alfred SS Buckingham
Winston, Bradley 1B, Keene
Winston, Claude C Wilmington Eagles
Winston, Robert Jr.(Pogo) C Wilmington Eagles
Winston, Robert Sr. (Cool Papa) 1B Wilmington Eagles
Wood, Fairfax( Fat Daddy) C Crozet
Woodfolk, Charles(Dinky) IF Charlottesville
Wright, Ray Shipman
Yancey, Charlie (P) Kelly Allstars
PLAY BALL!
The July 4th weekend was a time for family and fireworks but it was not complete without a baseball game. Black ball clubs in Virginia usually scheduled two ballgames for the holiday weekend, one home and one away. The Little Washington Monarchs were known to invite half a dozen or more teams playing out day long double elimination tournaments.
HOME AND AWAY
Traditionally Black Baseball in Virginia started play the fist weekend following the observance of Easter. keeping the undershirts but shedding jackets teams hit their home maintained diamonds.
In the 1960s two well traveled baseball managers Roscoe Burgess of Bridgewater Va and Hugo Scott of Quinque Va put together a league in central Virginia surprisingly the first most expansive on record. League teams hailed from the Shenandoah Valley and communities bordering rambling old Lee Highway through Albemarle, Greene and Madison Counties. League play began in 1964 with 6 teams and then to 10 in 1965 and 12 by 1969.
1969 Shenandoah Valley League Baseball Standings
First Half
EAST
Harrisonburg 6 0
Elkton 5 1
Barboursville 3 4
Sperryville 2 4
Madison 2 4
Waynesboro 1 5
WEST
Greenwood 6 0
South Garden 5 1
Covesville 4 2
Charlottesville 4 3
Massies Mill 2 5
Ivy 0 6
It is believed that Albemarle County team North Garden filled the 10th spot in 1965 . Sperryville, Covesville, Ivy and Madison joined in 1966 bringing the number of teams to 14.
Sunday Coming Vol. 1 currently out of print, Vol.2 in the works.
WILMINGTON EAGLES BIG RED MACHINE 1974
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Barboursville, Virginia 22923, United States