C. I. Taylor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids C. I. Taylor |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
(January 1922)
|
|||
| 2nd Baseman / Manager | |||
| Born: January 20, 1875 Anderson, South Carolina |
|||
| Died: February 23, 1922 (aged 47) Indianapolis, Indiana |
|||
|
|||
| Teams | |||
As player
As manager
|
|||
Charles Isham Taylor (born January 20, 1875 – died February 23, 1922) was an important American baseball player, manager, and leader in the Negro Leagues. He was born in Anderson, South Carolina. Charles was the oldest of four brothers who all played a big part in black baseball. His brothers were Candy Jim, Ben, and Johnny.
Before his baseball career, Taylor served in the military. He was part of the 10th Cavalry during the Spanish–American War. After his military service, he went to Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia.
Contents
Early Baseball Career
In 1904, Charles Taylor started his first professional black baseball team. This team was called the Birmingham Giants. He found talented players from colleges in the Southern United States.
Managing the Giants
Taylor not only started the Birmingham Giants, but he also managed them. He led the team from 1907 to 1909. His work helped shape the early days of black professional baseball.
West Baden Sprudels
After his time with the Giants, Taylor moved on to another team. He played for and managed the West Baden Sprudels. He was with this team from 1910 to 1913.
Indianapolis ABCs
In 1914, Charles Taylor became a co-owner of a new team. He joined with Thomas Bowser to own the Indianapolis ABCs. Taylor also took on the role of manager for this team.
Building a Strong Team
Over the next few years, Taylor worked hard to make the ABCs a very strong team. They became one of the best teams in black baseball. Their main rival was Rube Foster's Chicago American Giants. Taylor's leadership helped the ABCs become a top team.
Leading During Wartime
When World War I began, many players had to leave baseball. Taylor showed his care for his team during this time. He took his players on a tour of Washington, D.C.. He showed them important government buildings. He wanted them to feel proud of their country and their duty.
Negro National League
Charles Taylor was also a key person in creating the Negro National League. This was an important baseball league for black players. He helped start the league and served as its vice president.
His Legacy
Taylor passed away in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1922. He was 47 years old. After his death, his wife, Olivia Taylor, continued to run the ABCs for three more years. His brother Ben managed the team for the first year. The team eventually stopped playing in 1926.
Today, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum honors Charles I. Taylor. They give out The C.I. Taylor Legacy Award every year. This award goes to the best manager in each MLB league. It keeps his memory and his contributions to baseball alive.
