The following art and text by Michael Hogue of The Dallas Morning News is reproduced here in The Pecan Park Eagle by written permission from Michael Hogue. Today’s portrait features a look at Martin Dihigo, the arguably greatest player of versatility in the history of baseball at every level.
John Henry “Pop” Lloyd is our “Offering # 11″ in this series and a continuation of this fine Texas artist’s work, Portraits of the Negro Leagues. Today’s subject, Pop Lloyd, was widely regarded as the greatest Negro Leagues player in the first two decades of the 20th century. Thank you again, Michael, for allowing The Pecan Park Eagle to further share the beauty and joy of your work with those readers who care about the Negro Leagues and their place in baseball history.
For more on Michael Hogue’s work, check out his website:
John Henry "Pop" Lloyd, Shortstop. Negro Leagues, 1906-1932, Baseball Hall of Fame, 1977.
Pop Lloyd by Michael Hogue of The Dallas Morning News
“Asked to name the world’s greatest player, a St. Louis sports writer in 1938 replied that in the majors it was Babe Ruth, but in all of baseball it was Lloyd.
“Ruth agreed. He voted Pop Lloyd the greatest player of all time.
“Lloyd, a superb shortstop often compared to Honus Wagner, hit .368 over 27 seasons in black baseball. He was considered the best black player in the first two decades of the 20th century.”
Houston, Baseball, & Other Musings.
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