Legends of the Black Diamond
The “Legends of the Black Diamond” is a tribute to select iconic Negro League players assembled in Old Comiskey Park, the historic site of the Negro League All-Star Games. These games, held from 1933 to 1948, showcased the extraordinary talent of African American baseball players who were excluded from Major League Baseball due to racial segregation. The All-Star Games were pivotal events that drew large crowds and highlighted the high level of play within the Negro Leagues.
From left to right, listed with their team and the year of the uniform worn, they are as follows:
Ray Dandridge, 3B, Newark Eagles (1941 Home Jersey): Dandridge was known for his exceptional defensive skills at third base and his ability to hit for average. He played in the Negro Leagues from 1933 to 1955 and is considered one of the best third basemen of all time.
Walter “Buck” Leonard, 1B, Homestead Grays (1938 Home Jersey): Leonard was a powerful hitter and an essential part of the Grays’ lineup from 1934 to 1950. Known as the “Black Lou Gehrig,” he had a remarkable batting average and was a key figure in the Grays’ dominance.
Henry “Pop” Lloyd, SS, New York Lincoln Giants (1912 Home and Road Jersey): Lloyd, often referred to as the “Black Honus Wagner,” played from 1906 to 1932 and was known for his versatility, speed, and exceptional fielding abilities at shortstop.
“Willie” Foster, LHP, Chicago American Giants (1936 Road Jersey): Foster was a dominant left-handed pitcher known for his overpowering fastball and sharp curveball. Playing from 1923 to 1937, he led the American Giants to multiple championships.
Andrew “Rube” Foster, Manager, Chicago American Giants (1919 Home Jersey): Often called the “Father of Black Baseball,” Rube Foster was a brilliant pitcher and an even more influential manager and executive who founded the Negro National League in 1920.
Leroy “Satchel” Paige, RHP, Trujillo All-Stars (1937 Jersey): Paige was renowned for his incredible pitching prowess and showmanship. With a career spanning five decades, he was known for his fastball, control, and longevity in the game.
Martin Dihigo, 2B, Cuban Stars (East) (1927 Home and Road Jersey): Dihigo was a versatile player, excelling at multiple positions including pitcher and second baseman. He played from 1923 to 1945 and was known for his powerful hitting and exceptional athleticism.
Oscar Charleston, OF, Indianapolis ABC’s (1922 Home and Road Jersey): Charleston was a phenomenal center fielder and hitter, playing from 1915 to 1941. Known for his combination of power and speed, he is often regarded as one of the greatest all-around players in baseball history.
“Josh” Gibson, C, Pittsburgh Crawfords (1928 Home Jersey): Gibson, often compared to Babe Ruth, was an extraordinary power hitter with a legendary home run record. Playing from 1930 to 1946, he was a prolific catcher known for his offensive prowess.
James “Cool Papa” Bell, OF, St. Louis Stars (1929 Home and Road Jersey): Bell was famed for his incredible speed and base-stealing ability. Playing from 1922 to 1946, he was considered one of the fastest men ever to play the game.
Cristóbal Torriente, OF, Chicago American Giants (1921 Road Jersey): Torriente was a highly skilled outfielder and hitter, playing from 1913 to 1932. Known for his powerful bat and strong arm, he was a key player in the Giants’ success.
Open edition. Offset lithograph. Measures 24×36 inches size.
