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Dewitt Owens
Shortstop
Born: (1900-09-25)September 25, 1900
Austin, Texas
Died: May 2, 1983(1983-05-02) (aged 82)
Austin, Texas
Threw: Right
debut
1926, for the Cleveland Elites
Last appearance
1930, for the Birmingham Black Barons
Teams
  • Cleveland Elites (1926)
  • Birmingham Black Barons (1927–1928)
  • Memphis Red Sox (1929)
  • Birmingham Black Barons (1930)

Dewitt Owens was an American baseball player. He was born on September 25, 1900, and passed away on May 2, 1983. Dewitt Owens played as a shortstop in the Negro leagues from 1926 to 1930. He was known for his skills on the field during a time when baseball was still segregated.

About Dewitt Owens

Dewitt Owens grew up in Austin, Texas. He went to Samuel Huston College before starting his professional baseball career. His journey in baseball began in the mid-1920s.

Playing Baseball

Owens made his first appearance in the Negro leagues in 1926. He played for the Cleveland Elites that year. After his time with the Elites, he moved to another team.

His Teams and Years

Dewitt Owens played for several teams during his career. In 1927 and 1928, he joined the Birmingham Black Barons. This team was very well-known in the Negro leagues. In 1929, he played for the Memphis Red Sox. He then returned to the Birmingham Black Barons for his final season in 1930.

What Were the Negro Leagues?

The Negro leagues were professional baseball leagues in the United States. They were created for African American players. This was because, for many years, Black players were not allowed to play in Major League Baseball due to racial segregation. The Negro leagues were very important. They gave talented Black athletes a chance to play baseball at a high level. Many amazing players, like Jackie Robinson, started their careers in these leagues.

Later Life

After his baseball career, Dewitt Owens lived a long life. He passed away in his hometown of Austin, Texas, in 1983. He was 82 years old. His contributions to baseball, especially during the era of the Negro leagues, are remembered.

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