Carl Holden facts for kids

Carl Holden, born on August 22, 1941, was an American baseball player. He played as a catcher in the Negro leagues for one season in 1960. He played for the Birmingham Black Barons. After that, he joined other semi-professional teams. Later in his life, Carl helped teach people about the history of Negro league baseball.

Carl Holden's Early Life and Baseball Start

Growing Up in Alabama

Carl Holden was born in Madison, Alabama. His parents were Thornton and Mattie. As a teenager, he went to William H. Council High School. He played baseball for a semi-professional team called the Rocket City Dodgers. He started as an infielder.

Becoming a Catcher

In 1958, Carl joined another team, the Huntsville Braves. This team later changed its name to the Hawks. Carl became their main catcher. He once said that they needed someone strong with a good arm. He played with the Hawks for two years. In 1959, Carl started college at Alabama A&M University. He also played college football for a short time. However, a knee injury stopped him from playing football.

Playing in the Negro Leagues

Joining the Baltimore Orioles Camp

In 1960, Carl was invited to join the Baltimore Orioles for their Major League Baseball spring training. This is where players practice before the season starts. But injuries bothered him again during the camp. Because of this, the Orioles let him go after a few weeks.

Playing for the Black Barons

Carl did not give up. He trained hard and then signed with the Birmingham Black Barons. This team was part of the Negro leagues. He earned $300 each month. In his first game, he got two hits. However, after the 1960 season, he left the team. He decided to go back home.

After the Negro Leagues

Returning to Semi-Pro Baseball

In 1961, Carl went back to play for the Huntsville Hawks. He played with them for two more seasons. From 1963 to 1968, he was the captain of a team sponsored by the local American Legion. His baseball career ended after he hurt his ankle.

Spreading Awareness

After his baseball career, Carl Holden started a successful small business. He also became very active in sharing the history of the Negro leagues. He helped people learn about the important players and teams from that time. In 2004, he was honored and put into the Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame. Carl is married to Hattie and they have two children.