Dave Malarcher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dave Malarcher |
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| Third baseman | |||
| Born: October 18, 1894 St. James Parish, Louisiana |
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| Died: May 11, 1982 (aged 87) Chicago, Illinois |
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| debut | |||
| 1916, for the Indianapolis ABCs | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1934, for the Chicago American Giants | |||
| Negro league statistics | |||
| Batting average | .264 | ||
| Home runs | 7 | ||
| Runs scored | 399 | ||
| Managerial record | 263–156–9 | ||
| Teams | |||
As player
As manager
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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David "Gentleman Dave" Julius Malarcher (born October 18, 1894 – died May 11, 1982) was an amazing American third baseman in Negro league baseball. He played for several teams, including the Indianapolis ABCs and Chicago American Giants. His career lasted from 1916 to 1934.
Dave Malarcher was also a very successful manager. He led his teams to win three pennants, which is a big achievement in baseball. Only a few other managers in Negro league history have done that!
Contents
Who Was Gentleman Dave?
Dave Malarcher was born in St. James Parish, Louisiana. He was the youngest of 11 children. His mother was born during a time when slavery was still a part of life. His father worked on a large farm.
Early Life and Baseball Beginnings
Dave grew up in Union, Louisiana. He started playing baseball when he was very young. His older brothers also played, and his oldest brother was even on the men's team. This shows that baseball was a big part of his family.
Playing Baseball
In 1916, when Dave was 22, he was playing for the New Orleans Eagles. He was also attending New Orleans University. The Indianapolis ABCs baseball team noticed him. They were traveling back from playing baseball in Cuba.
The ABCs offered Dave his first professional contract. He was paid $50 a month to play for them. This was a great start to his career.
Serving His Country
In 1917, Dave Malarcher signed up for the World War I draft. He was living in Indianapolis, Indiana, and working as a baseball player. He also supported his mother.
In 1918, Dave was drafted into the army. He served in the 369th Infantry Regiment. This regiment fought alongside French soldiers during the war. After the war, the regiment returned home to a big parade in Harlem, New York.
After his military service, Dave returned to baseball. He played for the Detroit Stars. Then, he joined the Chicago American Giants, a famous team led by Rube Foster.
A Champion Manager
Dave Malarcher became the manager for the Chicago American Giants. He managed the team for seven seasons. During this time, he led them to win the Negro World Series twice! They won in 1926 and 1927.
He also helped the team win a Negro Southern League pennant. Only one other manager, Candy Jim Taylor, also won the series title twice. Dave Malarcher was truly a champion, both as a player and a leader.
