kids encyclopedia robot

Alfred Saylor facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Alfred Saylor
Alfred Saylor Baseball.jpg
Pitcher
Born: (1911-12-31)December 31, 1911
Blytheville, Arkansas
Died: April 8, 1955(1955-04-08) (aged 43)
Cleveland, Ohio
Batted: Both Threw: Right
debut
1943, for the Birmingham Black Barons
Last appearance
1945, for the Birmingham Black Barons
Teams
  • Birmingham Black Barons (1943–1945)

Alfred Harrison Saylor (December 31, 1911 – April 8, 1955) was an American baseball player. He was known by his nickname, "Greyhound." Saylor was a talented pitcher who played in the Negro leagues during the 1940s. He was an important player for the Birmingham Black Barons team.

Playing in the Negro Leagues

During Alfred Saylor's time, baseball in the United States was segregated. This meant that African American players were not allowed to play in the major leagues with white players. Because of this, they formed their own professional baseball leagues, known as the Negro leagues. These leagues featured many incredibly skilled players who played exciting and competitive baseball.

The Birmingham Black Barons

Alfred Saylor played for the Birmingham Black Barons, a very famous team in the Negro leagues. The Black Barons were based in Birmingham, Alabama, and were known for their strong players and exciting games. Saylor joined the team in 1943 and played with them until 1945. He was a right-handed pitcher, meaning he threw the ball with his right arm. He could also bat from both sides of the plate, which is called being a "switch-hitter."

The 1943 Negro World Series

One of the biggest moments in Alfred Saylor's career was his role in the 1943 Negro World Series. This was the championship series of the Negro leagues, where the best teams from different leagues played against each other.

Saylor's Key Games

In the 1943 World Series, the Birmingham Black Barons faced a tough opponent. Alfred Saylor was a key pitcher for his team. He started two important games in the series:

  • He pitched in Game 1, helping the Black Barons win.
  • He also pitched in Game 5, which his team won as well.

These wins were very important for the Black Barons as they tried to become champions. The series went all the way to a deciding Game 8. Saylor pitched in this final game, but unfortunately, his team lost. Even though they didn't win the championship, Saylor's performance in the series showed how talented he was as a pitcher.

Later Life

Alfred Saylor was born in Blytheville, Arkansas. After his baseball career, he passed away in 1955 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was 43 years old. Saylor is remembered as one of the many talented players who contributed to the rich history of the Negro leagues.

kids search engine
Alfred Saylor Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.