Vital Statistics:
Born: June 26, 1915 in Shreveport, La.
Died: Aug. 4, 1996
Inducted into Hall of Fame: 2006
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary position: Center field
Career Highlights:
- Nickname was "Home Run Brown" and helped lead the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro League to six pennants between 1937 and 1946. Served with the Army during World War II.
- Played briefly for the St. Louis Browns in 1947, hitting .179 in 67 games, becoming the first black player to hit a home run in the American League. Frustrated at the lack of talent on the Browns, he went back to the Monarchs the next season.
- Played winter ball in Puerto Rico and in 1947-48 he won the Triple Crown, hitting .432 with 27 HR and 86 RBI in 60 games.
- Published career batting average was .355.
