Bill Blair (1940s pitcher) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bill Blair |
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| Born: October 17, 1921 Dallas, Texas |
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| Died: April 20, 2014 (aged 92) Campbell, Texas |
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William "Bill" Blair (born October 17, 1921 – died April 20, 2014) was a talented Negro league pitcher. He played baseball during a time when African American players had their own leagues. Bill Blair was also a respected leader in his community.
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Who Was Bill Blair?
Bill Blair was born in Dallas, Texas. He went to Booker T. Washington High School in Dallas. After high school, he briefly attended Prairie View A&M University.
Bill's Early Baseball Days
Bill started playing baseball when he was just 16 years old. He joined a special kind of team called a barnstorming team. These teams traveled around to different towns. They played games to entertain people. His first team was in Mineola, Texas.
Serving His Country
During World War II, Bill Blair joined the United States Army. He showed great leadership skills. He became the youngest African American to serve as a first sergeant in the Army. This was a very important role.
Bill Blair's Baseball Career
After his time in the Army, Bill Blair returned to baseball. He pitched from 1946 to 1951. He played for several famous teams.
Playing in the Negro Leagues
Bill played for teams like the Indianapolis Clowns. He also played for the Cincinnati Crescents. Later, he became a player-manager for the Dallas Black Giants. This meant he played on the team and also helped lead it.
Facing Baseball Legends
During his career, Bill Blair played against some of the greatest baseball players of his time. These included legends like Cool Papa Bell, Satchel Paige, and Hilton Smith. Playing against such stars showed how skilled Bill was.
Life After Baseball
After retiring from baseball, Bill Blair continued to be active. He was a very important person in his community. He helped make his hometown a better place.
Community Leader
Bill ran a local newspaper called the Elite News. He used the newspaper to share important news. He also organized fun events for people. These included golf tournaments and parades. He wanted to bring people together.
A Lasting Legacy
Bill Blair passed away in Campbell, Texas in 2014. To honor his contributions, a park in South Dallas was named after him. It was formerly called Rochester Park. Now it is known as William Blair Park. This park is a reminder of his impact.
