Cannonball Berry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cannonball Berry |
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| Pitcher/Outfielder | |||
| Born: August 23, 1911 Kansas City, Kansas |
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| Died: May 2, 1992 (aged 80) Oakland, California |
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| debut | |||
| 1937, for the St. Louis Stars | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1948, for the Cleveland Buckeyes | |||
| Teams | |||
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Timothy Mike "Cannonball" Berry (born August 23, 1911 – died May 2, 1992) was a talented American baseball player. He was a pitcher in the Negro Leagues. People also called him "Showboat Mike".
Contents
Early Life of Cannonball Berry
Timothy Mike Berry was born on August 23, 1911. His hometown was Kansas City, Kansas.
Cannonball Berry's Baseball Career
Cannonball Berry played baseball for many different teams. He was known for his powerful pitching.
Playing for Independent and Barnstorming Teams
Berry started his career with Thatcher's Colts. This was a semi-pro team in Kansas City. Soon after, he joined the Van Dyke's Colored House of David in 1935. This team traveled around, playing games in different towns. Berry was their main pitcher, often called their "ace hurler".
In 1937, Berry had an amazing game in Vancouver, Canada. He struck out 20 batters! He only allowed one hit in a 3-0 win. He stayed with this team until 1939.
During World War II, Berry worked in shipyards near San Francisco. He played baseball for the A-26 Boilermakers. This team represented Black trade workers. He also played for other California teams. These included the Oakland Pierce Giants and the San Francisco Sea Lions. In 1951, Berry played in Canada. He joined teams like the Brandon Greys.
Seattle Steelheads Baseball Team
In 1946, a team called the Harlem Globetrotters baseball team changed its name. They became the Seattle Steelheads. Berry was on their roster. On June 20, he struck out 13 batters. This helped his team win 10-0 against the Portland Rosebuds. The league later closed down. Berry stayed with the team as it joined another club.
Playing in the Negro Major Leagues
Cannonball Berry played in the Negro Major Leagues four times.
St. Louis Stars Baseball Club
His first time in the Negro Major Leagues was in 1937. He played for the St. Louis Stars. Berry only pitched for a short time in one game.
Atlanta Black Crackers Baseball Club
In 1938, Berry played one game for the Atlanta Black Crackers. He started as the pitcher.
Kansas City Monarchs Baseball Club
Berry had a tryout with the Monarchs in 1934. He pitched in a practice game against his old team. In 1947, Berry joined the Monarchs again. He mostly pitched as a reliever. A reliever is a pitcher who comes into the game after the starting pitcher. He pitched 36 innings for the Monarchs.
Cleveland Buckeyes Baseball Club
In 1948, Berry played one game for the Cleveland Buckeyes. He played in right field. He did not get any hits in that game.
Cannonball Berry's Pitching Style
Newspaper writers gave Berry the nickname "Cannonball". This was because of his very fast fastball. He was also known for his "curve ball". A curve ball is a pitch that curves as it travels to the batter. Even when he was older, people noted his special pitching style.
Death of Cannonball Berry
Mike Berry passed away on May 2, 1992. He died in Oakland, California.
Clearing Up Confusion About Mike Berry
Some old records mixed up Mike Berry with another player. This other player was named John Paul Berry. John Paul Berry was a first baseman. He played briefly for the Monarchs' barnstorming teams.
