Clarence Williams (baseball) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clarence Williams |
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| Catcher | |||
| Born: January 27, 1866 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania |
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| Died: September 23, 1934 (aged 68) Atlantic City, New Jersey |
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| debut | |||
| 1885, for the Cuban Giants | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1912, for the Smart Set | |||
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Clarence "Waxey" Williams (born January 27, 1866 – died September 23, 1934) was an amazing American baseball player. He was a catcher, which is the player who squats behind home plate. Clarence played for important teams before the official Negro Leagues were formed.
He was one of the first players to join the Cuban Giants. This team was the very first professional baseball team made up of Black players. Clarence "Waxey" Williams played for major teams for at least 20 years! He was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
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Clarence "Waxey" Williams: Baseball Pioneer
Clarence Williams was a true pioneer in baseball. He played during a time when professional baseball was very different. He helped pave the way for future Black athletes. His long career showed his skill and dedication to the game.
Early Days with the Cuban Giants
Clarence Williams joined the Cuban Giants in their very first season, which was in 1885. This team was groundbreaking. They traveled all over the country, playing against many different teams. They showed everyone how talented Black baseball players were.
Playing in Mixed Leagues
Sometimes, the Cuban Giants played in leagues that were mostly white teams. This happened in years like 1887, 1889, and 1890. It was a big deal for a Black team to compete in these leagues. Clarence Williams and another great player, Frank Grant, even played on the Harrisburg team. This Harrisburg team was otherwise all white.
The Harrisburg team and the Cuban Giants often battled each other. They were both trying to win the championship, called the pennant. This showed that players like Williams could compete with anyone.
A Long and Successful Career
Clarence Williams played baseball for a very long time. His career lasted more than two decades. He played for several important teams during this time. These teams included the New York Gorhams and the Philadelphia Giants. He also played for the Cuban X-Giants.
His final team was the Smart Set in 1912. Playing for so many years showed his passion for baseball. It also showed his incredible talent and endurance. He was a respected player throughout his career.
