Joe Black
From SABR Encyclopedia
- See Joe Black in the index for other people with this or a similar name.
| Joe Black | |
| Joseph Black | |
| Bat/Throw: | R/R |
|---|---|
| Height: | 6' 2" |
| Weight: | 220 |
| Born: | 1924-2-8 at Plainfield, NJ (US) |
| Died: | 2002-5-17 at Scottsdale, AZ (US) |
| Interred: | Cremated |
| More info | |
| Statistics: | Retrosheet |
|---|---|
| SABR Searches: | Pictures of Joe Black | width:90% height:65% scrolling:auto | Pictures}} · Bibliography |
Joe attended Morgan State Collage on an athletic scholarship that was interrupted by military service. After WWII he signed with the Baltimore Elite Giants of the Negro National League and continued with his education and graduated. Signed with the Brooklyn Dodgersorganization in 1950. In 1951 he spent time with Montreal and St. Paul farm teams.
Joe was 28 years old when he finally made it to the majors in 1952.He won 14 games in relief with 15 saves using a blazing fast ball and tight curve. At season's end, manager Chuck Dressenstarted him twice winning one and losing one in preparation for Joe to start the first game of the WS. He won 4-2 but lost two close games(also starts)2-0 and 4-2. His victory was the only one by a black pitcher in a World Series until Mudcat Grantwon in 1965. In spring training the following year manager Chuck Dressen insisted that Joe learn several new pitchers. He lost control of the two that had brought him success and was never effective again.
Joe was traded to the Cincinnati Reds for $20,000 and outfielder Bob Borkowski.[1] Joe spent the next two years in the minors and was eventually released by Tulsa.[2]. The Dodgers then signed him as a batting practice pitcher.[3]. In August of 1957, Joe signs with the Washington Senators appearing in seven games.[4].
Joe retires from baseball and returns to his home town Plainfield, NJ and attends Seton Hall college to get his master's degree. In addition he started teaching and coaching baseball at the junior high school. Living conditions in Plainfield began to deteriorate and Joe and family moved to Chicago, after getting a job with the Grayhound Corpration and eventually became Vice President.[5]
