Bob Gilkerson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bob Gilkerson |
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| Second baseman | |
| Born: February 10, 1886 Newtown, Virginia |
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| Died: March 21, 1944 (aged 58) Spring Valley, Illinois |
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| debut | |
| 1909, for the Illinois Giants | |
| Last appearance | |
| 1913, for the Leland Giants | |
| Teams | |
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Robert Paul Gilkerson (born February 10, 1886 – died March 21, 1944) was an American baseball player. He was a talented second baseman in the early 1900s, playing in the Negro Leagues. Later, he became a successful owner of his own baseball team, the Gilkerson's Union Giants.
Bob Gilkerson: Baseball Player and Team Owner
Early Baseball Days
Bob Gilkerson was born in Newtown, Virginia. He started his baseball career as a second baseman. He played for the Illinois Giants in 1909. Later, in 1913, he joined the Leland Giants. These teams were part of the exciting world of Negro League baseball.
Becoming a Team Owner
After his playing days, Bob Gilkerson decided to become a team owner. In 1917, he bought a baseball club in Chicago from W. S. Peters. He renamed the team the Gilkerson's Union Giants.
Bob Gilkerson managed his team for many years. The Gilkerson's Union Giants were a "barnstorming" team. This means they traveled all over the country to play games. They played against many different teams, bringing baseball to fans everywhere. He continued to run his team through the 1930s.
Bob Gilkerson passed away in Spring Valley, Illinois in 1944. He was 58 years old. He is remembered for both his time as a player and for owning his own important baseball team.
