Posts Tagged ‘Michael Hogue’

Michael Hogue’s Portrait of Jackie Robinson

October 12, 2011

All good things come to some kind of end. Today’s Michael Hogue Portrait of Jackie Robinson only ends in the sense that it runs the table here on all the figures originally featured in his look at stars of the Negro Leagues in an earlier united presentation in The Dallas Morning News. For the past several weeks, those same stars have been shown here in The Pecan Park Eagle by written permission from Michael Hogue.

Today’s final portrait in this series appropriately features a look at the first man from the Negro Leagues to break the 20th century color line in the big leagues back in 1947, the one and only Jackie Robinson. Robinson broke into the major with the 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers. He played ten years with Brooklyn, batting .311 overall, and helping to lead the Dodgers to seven pennants and their only Brooklyn-based World Series title in 1955.

Jackie Robinson is our “Offering # 14″ and the last feature in this series on this fine Texas artist’s work, Portraits of the Negro Leagues. It has been nothing less than a beautiful trip. – Thank you one more time, Michael Hogue, 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:

http://www.michaelhogue.com

Jackie Robinson, Infielder, Negro Leagues, 1945, Major Leagues, 1947-1956, Baseball Hall of Fame, 1962, Robinson's uniform #42 was retired in honor of his place as the man who broke the color line in 20th century organized baseball.

 

Jackie Robinson by Michael Hogue of The Dallas Morning News.

“The man who broke the color line in modern baseball began his career in the Negro Leagues.

“Before playing the 1945 season with the Kansas City Monarchs, Robinson was a four-sport star at UCLA, were he excelled in baseball, basketball, track and field, and football.

“Baseball was considered to be his worst sport.”

 

Michael Hogue’s Portrait of Willie Mays

October 10, 2011

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 next to final portrait in this series features a look at Willie Mays, the “Say-Hey” kid and arguably greatest center fielder in the history of all baseball, black, white, or whatever. Willie Mays will always be remembered as a Giant, regardless of his final fumbling season as a Met. From New York to San Francisco, he was the A&P oceanic answer to “who was the last and first great man in either central pasture to play this game as a Giant on both of our east-west coasts?” Willie Mays hit 660 career home runs as a major leaguer.

Willie Mays is our “Offering # 13″ in this series and a continuation of this fine Texas artist’s work, Portraits of the Negro Leagues. Today’s subject will leave us with one old Negro Leagues subject to go after today and you may even be able to figure out in advance who that Wednesday, October 12th, subject is going to be. He was a significant gate-crosser from the world of black baseball and into the formerly all white game of so-called organized baseball. – Thank you again, Michael, and for the umpteen hundredth time, 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:

http://www.michaelhogue.com

Willie Mays, Outfielder, Negro Leagues, 1948-49, Major League Baseball, 1951-1973, Baseball Hall of Fame, 1979.

 

Willie Mays by Michael Hogue of The Dallas Morning News

“(Willie) Mays broke into the (Negro Leagues) ranks at age 16 with (the) Birmingham (Black Barons). He played only on Sundays during the school year. After two seasons, he signed with the majors’ New York Giants.”

 

 

Michael Hogue’s Portrait of Pop Lloyd

October 6, 2011

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:

http://www.michaelhogue.com

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.”

Michael Hogue’s Portrait of Buck Leonard

October 4, 2011

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 Buck Leonard, the long-time great first baseman of the famously successful Homestead Grays.

Buck Leonard, the so-called “Black Lou Gehrig” of the Negro Leagues is our “Offering # 10″ in this series and a continuation of this fine Texas artist’s work, Portraits of the Negro Leagues. Thank you again, Michael, for allowing The Pecan Park Eagle to further share the beauty and joy of your work with those who care about the Negro Leagues and their place in baseball history.

For more on Michael Hogue’s work, check out his website:

http://www.michaelhogue.com

Walter "Buck" Leonard, First Baseman, Negro Leagues, 1933-1950, Baseball Hall of Fame, 1972.

Buck Leonard by Michael Hogue of The Dallas Morning News

“Known as the ‘Black Lou Gehrig,’ (Buck) Leonard was one of the best-liked players in the game. A feared hitter and exceptional fielder, he played first base for the Homestead Grays team that won nine consecutive Negro National League pennants between 1937 and 1945.

“In 1939, eight years before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier, Washington Senators owner Clark Griffith asked Leonard whether he wanted to play in the major leagues. But nothing came of the meeting. Thirteen years later, at age 45, Leonard was offered a contract to play in the major leagues. He knew that age was against him and declined the offer.”

Michael Hogue’s Portrait of Effa Manley

September 30, 2011

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 Effa Manley, the owner of the Newark Eagles, who, as their one time field mentor, also holds the distinction of being the only female manager in the history of American male professional sports..

Effa Manley is our “Offering 8″ in this series and a continuation of this fine Texas artist’s work, Portraits of the Negro Leagues. Thank you again, Michael, for allowing The Pecan Park Eagle to further share the beauty and joy of your work with those who care about the Negro Leagues and their place in baseball history.

For more on Michael Hogue’s work, check out his website:

http://www.michaelhogue.com

Effa Manley, Owner, Negro Leagues, 1935-1948, Baseball Hall of Fame, 2006.

Effa Manley by Michael Hogue of The Dallas Morning News

As owner/manager of the Newark Eagles, Manley is the only female manager in the history of American male professional sports. She overcame racial barriers and gender bias to make her mark as one f the most significant figures on the Negro Leagues.

After Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier, she lost many players to the major leagues. She spoke out against raiding Negro League teams without compensating them, but despite her efforts, the Eagle had to disband in 1948.

Pecan Park Eagle Footnote: The Eagles may have disbanded as a team playing out of Newark after 1948, but they weren’t through. They moved to Texas under new ownership for two final seasons of Negro League play as the Houston Eagles before giving up the ghost of a lost gate and changing times as all the best black ball players, and their fans, headed for new spots in the formerly all white (or non-American black) ranks of professional baseball.

Michael Hogue’s Portrait of Cool Papa Bell

September 25, 2011

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 the incredible Negro Leagues speedster base runner, Cool Papa Bell. Satchel Paige offered a number of accounts designed to put Cool Papa’s speed in perspective, but I’ve always preferred this one to all others. According to Satchel, Cool Papa once hit a blazing shot back through the box. It quickly went through Paige’s legs, but never made it to the outfield. “It would’ve gone to center field,” Satchel said, “but it hit Cool Papa Bell in the back as he was sliding into second base.”

Cool Papa Bell is our “Offering 6″ in this series and a continuation of this fine Texas artist’s work, Portraits of the Negro Leagues. Thank you again, Michael, for allowing TPPE to further share the beauty and joy of your work with those who care about the Negro Leagues and their place in baseball history.

For more on Michael Hogue’s work, check out his website:

http://www.michaelhogue.com

James "Cool Papa" Bell, Center Fielder, Negro Leagues, 1922-1950, Baseball Hall of Fame, 1974.

James “Cool Papa” Bell by Michael Hogue of The Dallas Morning News

“Contemporaries considered Bell the fastest man in baseball history. He was once clocked rounding the bases in an astounding 12 seconds. He was so fast that gold medalist Jesse Owens refused to race him.

“A teammate (Satchel Paige) once said, ‘Cool Papa could turn off the lights and be in bed before the room got dark.’

“In exhibition games against major league competition, he compiled a .391 average.

“Bell played until age 43, when he retired with a batting average of .341.

“After his baseball career, he worked as a custodian at the St. Louis City Hall, retiring in 1970.”

Michael Hogue’s Portrait of Josh Gibson

September 24, 2011

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 the great Negro Leagues slugger, catcher Josh Gibson. It is our “Offering 5″ in this series and a continuation of this fine Texas artist’s work, Portraits of the Negro Leagues. Thank you again, Michael, for allowing TPPE to further share the beauty and joy of your work with those who care about the Negro Leagues and their place in baseball history.

For more on Michael Hogue’s work, check out his website:

http://www.michaelhogue.com

Joshua "Josh" Gibson, Catcher, Negro Leagues, 1930-1946, Hall od Fame, 1972.

Josh Gibson by Michael Hogue of The Dallas Morning News

“Called the ‘Black Babe Ruth,’ Gibson was black baseball’s greatest slugger. His tape-measure home runs came so frequently that they were seen as the norm. He is credited with hitting 962 home runs, including 75 in 1931, 69 in 1934 and 84 in 1936.

“He also hit for average, compiling a .354 lifetime batting average in the Negro Leagues while winning four batting titles. In exhibition games against white major leaguers, Gibson hit over .400.

“Gibson’s hitting overshadowed his defense.

“Washington Senators Hall of Fame pitcher Walter Johnson said of Gibson: ‘There’s  catcher that any big-league club would buy for $200,000. — He can hit the ball a mile. He catches the ball so easy he might as well be in a rocking chair. Throws like a rifle.’

“While still clinging to hopes of playing major league ball, Gibson suffered a fatal stroke only a month following his 35th birthday.

“He became the second Negro Leagues star inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.”

 

 

 

Michael Hogue’s Portrait of Willie Wells

September 23, 2011

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 one more look at another Texan, shortstop Willie Wells. It is our “Offering 4″ in this series and a continuation of this fine Texas artist’s work, Portraits of the Negro Leagues. Thank you again, Michael, for allowing TPPE to further share the beauty and joy of your work with those who care about the Negro Leagues and their place in baseball history.

For more on Michael Hogue’s work, check out his website:

http://www.michaelhogue.com

 

Willie "Devil" Wells, Shortstop, Negro Leagues, 1924-1948, Hall of Fame 1997.

Willie “Devil” Wells by Michael Hogue of The Dallas Morning News.

“Wells, a native of Austin, combined superior batting skills, slick fielding and speed on the bases to become an eight-time All-Star in the Negro Leagues. A power-hitting shortstop with sure hands, he ranks among the all-time Negro League leaders in doubles, triple, home runs and stolen bases. He recorded a lifetime .392 batting average against major leaguers in exhibition games.

“He is also credited with being the first player to wear a batting helmet. One day after being knocked unconscious by a bean ball, the story goes, Wells borrowed a hard hat before a game and wore it to the plate.”

Michael Hogue’s Portrait of Smokey Joe Williams

September 21, 2011

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. It is our “Offering 3” in this series and a continuation of this fine Texas artist’s work, Portraits of the Negro Leagues. Thank you again, Michael, for allowing TPPE to further share the beauty and joy of your work with those who care about the Negro Leagues and their place in baseball history.

Smokey Joe Williams, Pitcher, 1910-1932, Hall of Fame, 1999.

Smokey Joe Williams by Michael Hogue

A tall, lanky right handed native of Seguin, Texas, Williams began his career pitching for the San Antonio Black Bronchos. He was the star pitcher in the early days of the Negro Leagues. Satchel Paige called Williams the best pitcher he had ever seen.

Pitching with exceptional velocity and control, Williams would routinely reach double-digits in strikeouts, once striking out 27 Kansas City Monarchs in a 12-inning game. Available statistics show that he compiled a 20-7 record, inducing 10 shutouts, against major league teams. Williams was voted the top pitcher in Negro League history in a 1952 Pittsburgh Courier poll.

Michael Hogue’s Portraits of the Negro Leagues

September 17, 2011

SATCHEL PAIGE by Michael Hogue of The Dallas Morning News

The following text and preceding art by Michael Hogue of The Dallas Morning News is reproduced here in The Pecan Park Eagle by written permission from Michael Hogue. Thank you, Michael, for allowing TPPE to further share the beauty and joy of your work with those who care about the Negro Leagues and their place in baseball history. We shall continue to randomly show the work you have provided until we either run out of material – or you send us some more. We are in debt to you for this valuable contribution to our humble publishing efforts in behalf of baseball, Houston, Texas, music, and pop cultural history.

Did I leave anybody out? Probably. But here it is, anyway. Readers enjoy!

Satchel Paige By Michael Hogue. Reproduced by Written Permission from Michael Hogue of The Dallas Morning News.

“I sure get a laugh when I see in the papers where some major league pitcher says he gets a sore arm because he pitches every four days. Man, that’s be just a vacation for me.” – Satchel Paige, Hall of Fame, 1971.

SATCHEL PAIGE, Pitcher, Negro Leagues 1926-1947. Paige is the best known player to come out of the Negro Leagues. This tall, lanky right-hander employed masterful pitching skill with a colorful personality to achieve folk-hero status.

He was the consummate show man. He would sometimes pull in the outfielders to sit behind the mound while he struck out the side. He was advertised as guaranteed to strike out the first nine batters he faced in exhibition games and almost always fulfilled his billing. Paige frequently warmed up throwing 20 straight pitches across a chewing gum wrapper used as home plate.

It is estimated that Paige pitched 2,600 games, 300 shutouts and 55 no-hitters.

Some major leaguers, including Joe DiMaggio, called Paige the toughest pitcher they had ever faced.

Paige was offered a contract to play for the Indians and, at age 43, became the oldest rookie in major league history. He helped Cleveland to the 1948 World Series title. He appeared in the All Star Games of 1952 and 1953. Paige was thought to be 59 (his true age was never established) when he pitched three innings for the Kansas City A’s, becoming the oldest man to pitch in a major league game.

He became the first Negro Leagues star inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.