Dave Barnhill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dave Barnhill |
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: October 30, 1914 Greenville, North Carolina |
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| Died: January 8, 1983 (aged 68) Miami, Florida |
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| debut | |||
| 1937, for the Zulu Giants | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1949, for the New York Cubans | |||
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David "Dave" Barnhill (born October 30, 1914 – died January 8, 1983) was an American baseball player. He was a talented pitcher who played in the Negro Leagues. These leagues were very important for African American and Latino players during a time when they were not allowed to play in Major League Baseball.
Barnhill played professional baseball for many years. His career lasted from 1937 to 1953. Most of his time was spent with the New York Cubans team. He also played in the minor leagues after the Negro Leagues.
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Who Was Dave Barnhill?
Dave Barnhill was born in Greenville, North Carolina. He grew up loving baseball. He became known for his strong pitching arm. He could throw the ball very fast and with tricky spins.
Barnhill was a right-handed pitcher. This means he threw the ball with his right arm. Interestingly, he could also bat (hit the ball) with both his left and right hands. This made him a versatile player.
Playing in the Negro Leagues
Dave Barnhill started his professional career in 1937. His first team was the Zulu Giants. This was part of the exciting world of Negro League baseball. These leagues were formed because of segregation in the United States. Black players were not allowed to play alongside white players in the main professional leagues.
The Negro Leagues were full of amazing talent. Many players who later joined Major League Baseball, like Jackie Robinson, started in these leagues. Barnhill was one of these gifted athletes. He played for the Ethiopian Clowns from 1937 to 1940.
The New York Cubans
Barnhill joined the New York Cubans in 1941. This team became his main home in the Negro Leagues. He played with them until 1949. The New York Cubans were a very popular team. They often featured players from Cuba and other Latin American countries.
Playing for the Cubans meant Barnhill traveled all over the country. He faced many of the best hitters in baseball. Pitchers in the Negro Leagues had to be very tough. They played many games and traveled long distances.
After the Negro Leagues
By the late 1940s, baseball began to change. Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947. This meant that Black players could now join teams in the big leagues. As a result, the Negro Leagues slowly started to fade away.
Dave Barnhill continued his career after 1949. He moved on to play in the minor leagues. These leagues are a step below Major League Baseball. They help players develop their skills.
Playing in the Minor Leagues
Barnhill played in the minor leagues from 1949 to 1953. He played in leagues like the American Association. He also played in the Florida International League. This was a chance for him to play in integrated baseball.
He played for teams like the Minneapolis Millers. He also played for the Miami Beach Flamingos and the Fort Lauderdale Lions. Playing in the minor leagues showed his dedication to baseball. He continued to play the game he loved.
Dave Barnhill's Legacy
Dave Barnhill passed away on January 8, 1983, in Miami, Florida. He was 68 years old. His career is an important part of baseball history. He was one of the many talented players who kept professional baseball alive for African Americans during a difficult time.
Players like Dave Barnhill helped pave the way for future generations. They showed incredible skill and determination. Their contributions to baseball are still celebrated today.
