Cliff Blackmon facts for kids

Clifford Lorenza "Sleepy" Blackmon (born March 25, 1914 – died December 17, 1995) was an American baseball pitcher. He played in the Negro leagues from 1937 to 1941. These leagues were professional baseball organizations for African American players. They existed when Black players were not allowed in Major League Baseball.

Cliff Blackmon's Baseball Journey

Cliff Blackmon was a talented baseball pitcher. He was often called "Sleepy." He played for several different teams during his career. His time in the Negro leagues was very important. It showed his skills during a challenging time in sports history.

Playing in the Negro Leagues

The Negro leagues were a big part of American baseball history. They gave Black players a chance to play professionally. Many amazing athletes, like Cliff Blackmon, played in these leagues. They showed incredible talent and passion for the game.

His Time with the Black Barons

In 1938, Blackmon played for the Birmingham Black Barons. He was seen as the team's best pitcher, also known as the "ace." An ace pitcher is the top pitcher on a team. They are usually the one who starts the most important games. People even compared his pitching skills to Satchel Paige. Satchel Paige was one of the most famous and talented pitchers ever. This comparison shows how highly Blackmon was regarded.

Teams Cliff Blackmon Played For

Cliff Blackmon played for several teams during his career. Each team was part of the exciting Negro leagues. His journey took him to different cities.

• Chicago American Giants (1937)
• Birmingham Black Barons (1938)
• Indianapolis ABCs (1939)
• Memphis Red Sox (1939)
• New York Cubans (1941)
• New Orleans–St. Louis Stars (1941)

Blackmon's career, though short, was a part of a very important era in baseball. He helped pave the way for future generations of players.