Alphonso Gerard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alphonso Gerard |
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| Outfielder | |||
| Born: June 26, 1916 Saint Croix, Danish West Indies |
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| Died: July 14, 2002 (aged 86) Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands |
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| debut | |||
| 1945, for the New York Black Yankees | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1948, for the Chicago American Giants | |||
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Alphonso "Piggy" Gerard was a talented baseball player. He was an outfielder who played in the Negro Leagues. These leagues were important because they allowed African American players to play professional baseball. This was at a time when they were not allowed in Major League Baseball.
Piggy Gerard played professionally in the United States from 1945 to 1948. He played for teams like the New York Black Yankees, the Indianapolis Clowns, and the Chicago American Giants. He was born and passed away on Saint Croix. This makes him special because he was the only player from the Virgin Islands to play in the Negro Leagues.
Who Was Alphonso "Piggy" Gerard?
Alphonso Gerard was born on June 26, 1916. He was from Saint Croix in the Danish West Indies. Later, this area became part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. He earned the nickname "Piggy." He was a left-handed batter and thrower. He played the outfield position in baseball.
Playing in the Negro Leagues
Gerard began his professional baseball career in 1945. He joined the New York Black Yankees. He played with them for two seasons. In 1947, he also played for the Indianapolis Clowns. His final season in the Negro Leagues was 1948. He played for the Chicago American Giants that year.
The Negro Leagues were very important in baseball history. They gave amazing Black players a chance to show their skills. Many players from these leagues later became famous in Major League Baseball.
Playing Baseball Around the World
Alphonso Gerard's baseball career was not just in the United States. He spent most of his professional time playing in the Puerto Rican Winter League. He played there for many years. His time in Puerto Rico lasted from the 1944-45 season until 1957-58.
He also played baseball in other countries. In 1946, he played professionally in Mexico. In 1953, he played in the Dominican Republic. This shows that baseball was a big part of his life for many years. Alphonso Gerard passed away on July 14, 2002, at the age of 86.
