Clarence Locke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clarence Locke |
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: 1911 Kansas City, Missouri |
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| Died: January 1971 Kansas City, Kansas |
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| debut | |||
| 1945, for the Chicago American Giants | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1948, for the Chicago American Giants | |||
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Clarence Virgil Locke (born March 25, 1911 – died January 1971) was an American baseball player. People often called him "Dad". He was a pitcher in the Negro leagues during the 1940s.
Clarence Locke was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He started his professional baseball career in 1945. He played for the Chicago American Giants. Locke played for this team for four seasons. His last season was in 1948. He passed away in Kansas City, Kansas in 1971 when he was 59 years old.
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Who Was Clarence Locke?
Clarence Locke was a talented baseball player. He played during a time when baseball was different. Many African-American players could not play in the major leagues. Instead, they played in special leagues called the Negro leagues. These leagues were very important. They gave amazing players a chance to show their skills.
Playing in the Negro Leagues
The Negro leagues were professional baseball leagues. They were active from the late 1800s to the 1960s. Many famous players started their careers here. These leagues had their own teams and championships. They were a big part of American sports history. Playing in the Negro leagues meant being part of a special community. It also meant facing many challenges.
What Did a Pitcher Do?
A pitcher is a key player in baseball. Their main job is to throw the ball. They throw it towards the home plate. The goal is to make it hard for the batter to hit. Pitchers use different types of throws. These throws are called pitches. A good pitcher can make the ball curve or sink. They can also throw it very fast. This makes it tough for the other team to score runs.
His Baseball Career
Clarence Locke played for the Chicago American Giants. This team was one of the most famous in the Negro leagues. They were known for having many great players. Locke joined them in 1945. He played as a pitcher for four years. His time with the Giants helped him show his abilities. He was part of a team that made history.
Later Life
After his baseball career, Clarence Locke lived in Kansas City. He passed away in 1971. He is remembered as one of the many players who contributed to the rich history of the Negro leagues. These players helped pave the way for future generations. They showed incredible talent and determination.
