Dan Bankhead facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dan Bankhead |
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: May 3, 1920 Empire, Alabama |
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| Died: May 2, 1976 (aged 55) Houston, Texas |
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| Professional debut | |||
| NgL: 1940, for the Birmingham Black Barons | |||
| MLB: August 26, 1947, for the Brooklyn Dodgers | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| July 18, 1951, for the Brooklyn Dodgers | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 20–9 | ||
| Earned run average | 4.83 | ||
| Strikeouts | 228 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Daniel Robert Bankhead was a famous baseball player. He was born on May 3, 1920, and passed away on May 2, 1976. Dan Bankhead made history as the first African American pitcher in Major League Baseball. Before joining the big leagues, he played for teams like the Birmingham Black Barons and the Memphis Red Sox in the Negro leagues from 1940 to 1947. He then played for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1947 to 1951.
Contents
Dan Bankhead's Early Life and Military Service
Dan Bankhead grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. He went to public schools there. Dan wasn't the only baseball player in his family. His brothers, Sam, Fred, Joe, and Garnett, also played baseball in the Negro leagues.
During World War II, Dan served his country. He was part of the United States Marine Corps Reserves. He served from April 1942 to June 1946 and became a sergeant. While in the Marines, he played baseball for the Montford Point team. This team traveled around to help boost morale for the troops.
Dan Bankhead's Baseball Journey
Dan Bankhead had a very strong career in the Negro leagues. He played for the Birmingham Black Barons and the Memphis Red Sox. A sportswriter named Frank 'Fay' Young said Dan was one of the best pitchers in the Negro American League. Many Major League teams were watching him closely.
Joining the Brooklyn Dodgers
Branch Rickey, who worked for the Brooklyn Dodgers, signed Bankhead. This happened soon after the Negro Leagues' All-Star game. Dan was 24 years old at the time. He was not only a great pitcher but also an excellent hitter. He was leading the Negro leagues with a .385 batting average when the Dodgers bought his contract.
On August 26, 1947, Dan Bankhead made his Major League debut. He hit a home run in his very first at-bat! This happened at Ebbets Field against Fritz Ostermueller of the Pittsburgh Pirates. That day, he also pitched in relief, giving up ten hits in 3⅓ innings. He finished that first season having pitched in four games for the Dodgers. His earned run average (ERA) was 7.20.
Time in the Minor Leagues
After his first season, Bankhead spent 1948 and 1949 in the minor leagues. He pitched for teams in Nashua, New Hampshire, and St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1948, he had an amazing record of 24 wins and only six losses.
Return to the Major Leagues
Dan returned to the Dodgers for the 1950 season. He played in 41 games, starting 12 of them. He ended the season with nine wins, four losses, and a 5.50 ERA. In 1951, which was his last year in the Major Leagues, he appeared in seven games. He lost his only decision and had an ERA of 15.43.
After his time in the Major Leagues, Bankhead continued to play baseball. He spent many years in the Mexican League. He played for different teams there until 1966.
Later Life and Legacy
Dan Bankhead passed away on May 2, 1976. He died from cancer at a hospital in Houston, Texas. This was just one day before his 56th birthday. Dan Bankhead will always be remembered as a pioneer in baseball. He paved the way for future African American pitchers in Major League Baseball.
See also
- Home run in first Major League at-bat
