Bingo DeMoss facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elwood 'Bingo' DeMoss |
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| Second Baseman / Manager | |||
| Born: September 5, 1889 Topeka, Kansas |
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| Died: January 26, 1965 (aged 75) Chicago, Illinois |
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| debut | |||
| 1905, for the Topeka Giants | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1945, for the Brooklyn Brown Dodgers | |||
| Teams | |||
As player
As manager
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Elwood "Bingo" DeMoss (born September 5, 1889 – died January 26, 1965) was an amazing baseball player and manager. He played in the Negro leagues from 1905 to 1943. He was known for his incredible skills on the field.
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Early Life and Baseball Start
Bingo DeMoss was born in Topeka, Kansas in 1889. He started his baseball journey very early, playing for the Topeka Giants in 1905. Even as a young player, he showed great promise.
He quickly became known as one of the best second basemen in the Negro leagues during the 1910s and 1920s. People admired his smooth fielding and smart plays.
Playing Career Highlights
DeMoss spent many of his best years playing for the Chicago American Giants. He was so good that he became the captain of the team that won the Negro league championship in 1926.
He was also a player-manager for teams like the Indianapolis ABCs and the Detroit Stars. This meant he played in games while also leading the team.
Batting and Bunting Skills
Bingo DeMoss was famous for his excellent bat control. He could hit the ball exactly where he wanted it to go. This made him one of the greatest bunters in Negro league history.
A "bunt" is when a player lightly taps the ball instead of swinging hard. This helps move runners around the bases. DeMoss was a master at it.
His teammate, Jelly Gardner, once said that DeMoss could hit the ball anywhere. If a runner was trying to steal a base, DeMoss would even foul off the pitch to help them.
His best batting average was .303 in 1926. This was the second-highest average in the league that year.
Coaching and Managing
After his playing days ended in 1930, Bingo DeMoss continued to stay in baseball. He became a full-time manager until 1947. He led many teams, sharing his knowledge and experience.
In 1945, he managed the Brooklyn Brown Dodgers. This team was part of a special league created to find talented Black players. These players might then get a chance to play in Major League Baseball.
Legacy and Recognition
Bingo DeMoss was a respected person in his community, especially in the Bronzeville area of Chicago. He was known for being smart with money and often helped others. He would offer loans or opportunities to people who needed them, even during tough times.
In 1952, when he was 63 years old, a poll was taken by the Pittsburgh Courier newspaper. Baseball players voted on the best Negro league players ever. Bingo DeMoss was voted the second-best second baseman, right after the legendary Jackie Robinson. This shows how highly he was regarded by his peers.
