Bill Force facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bill Force |
|||
---|---|---|---|
![]() |
|||
Pitcher | |||
Born: Walker County, Georgia |
July 17, 1895|||
Died: April 2, 1969 Norfolk, Virginia |
(aged 73)|||
|
|||
debut | |||
1921, Detroit Stars | |||
Last appearance | |||
1930, Brooklyn Royal Giants | |||
Career statistics | |||
Win–loss record | 60–52 | ||
Earned run average | 4.21 | ||
Teams | |||
As Player
|
William "Buddie" Force (born July 17, 1895 – died April 2, 1969) was an amazing American baseball player. He was a left-handed pitcher in the Negro leagues. These leagues were special baseball leagues for African American players.
Buddie Force played for several teams during his career. He was with the Detroit Stars from 1921 to 1923. Then he joined the Baltimore Black Sox from 1924 to 1929. His final team was the Brooklyn Royal Giants in 1930.
Force had a great career record. He won 60 games and lost 52. His earned run average (ERA) was 4.21. ERA measures how many runs a pitcher allows per game. He also struck out 506 batters in over 1,044 innings.
One of his most exciting moments was on June 27, 1922. He pitched a "no-hitter" against the St. Louis team. This means no player on the other team got a hit during the entire game!
Buddie Force was born in Walker County, Georgia. This was in 1895. He passed away in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1969. He was 73 years old.
Contents
Who Was Buddie Force?
William "Buddie" Force was a talented baseball player. He was known for his pitching skills. He played during a time when baseball was segregated. This meant Black players could not play in the major leagues.
Force was born in the southern state of Georgia. He grew up loving baseball. He became a professional pitcher. He played in the Negro leagues. These leagues gave Black players a chance to show their skills.
Buddie Force's Baseball Career
Buddie Force started his professional journey in 1921. He joined the Detroit Stars. He quickly became a key player for them. He pitched many games for the team.
After three seasons, he moved to the Baltimore Black Sox. This team was very strong. Force helped them win many games. He was a consistent pitcher. He played for the Black Sox for six years.
In 1930, he played his final season. He joined the Brooklyn Royal Giants. He finished his career with them. His time in the Negro leagues showed his dedication to baseball.
Pitching Highlights
Buddie Force was a left-handed pitcher. This means he threw the ball with his left arm. Left-handed pitchers are often tricky for batters to hit. Force used his skills to get many outs.
His career statistics show how good he was. A 60-52 win-loss record is solid. It means his team won more games when he was pitching. His 4.21 ERA was also respectable.
The no-hitter he pitched was a rare achievement. It is one of the hardest things to do in baseball. It shows how dominant he could be on the mound.
The Negro Leagues
The Negro leagues were professional baseball leagues. They were created for African American players. This was because of racial segregation in the United States. Black players were not allowed in Major League Baseball until 1947.
These leagues were very important. They provided opportunities for many talented players. Players like Buddie Force got to play the sport they loved. They also entertained millions of fans.
The Negro leagues had many famous players. They played exciting baseball. They traveled all over the country. They showed the world how skilled Black athletes were.
Why Buddie Force is Remembered
Buddie Force is remembered as a strong pitcher. He was part of an important era in baseball history. He helped build the legacy of the Negro leagues. These leagues are now celebrated for their contributions.
His statistics show his talent. His no-hitter shows his ability to dominate. He was a true professional. He played the game with passion.
Players like Buddie Force paved the way. They helped break down barriers in sports. Their stories teach us about perseverance. They also show the power of talent.