Doc Sykes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Doc Sykes |
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: April 10, 1892 Decatur, Alabama |
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| Died: November 10, 1986 (aged 94) Baltimore, Maryland |
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| debut | |||
| 1914, for the Brooklyn Royal Giants | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1924, for the Baltimore Black Sox | |||
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Franklin Jehoy Sykes (born April 10, 1892 – died November 10, 1986) was a talented baseball player. He was known by his nickname, "Doc". He played as a pitcher in the Negro leagues during the 1910s and 1920s. These leagues were for African-American players when they were not allowed to play in Major League Baseball.
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Who Was Doc Sykes?
Doc Sykes was born in Decatur, Alabama. He had an older brother named Melvin Sykes, who also played in the Negro leagues. Franklin Sykes was not just a baseball player. He also went to college. He studied at Atlanta Baptist College and later at Howard University College of Medicine. This is where he earned his nickname "Doc."
Doc Sykes's Baseball Journey
Doc Sykes started his professional baseball career in 1914. His first team was the Brooklyn Royal Giants. He played for several teams during his career. His longest time was with the Baltimore Black Sox in the early 1920s.
A Special Game: The No-Hitter
In 1922, Doc Sykes achieved something amazing. He pitched a "no-hitter" for the Baltimore Black Sox. This happened against the Bacharach Giants at Maryland Baseball Park. A no-hitter means that the pitcher did not allow any of the opposing team's batters to get a hit during the entire game. It is a very rare and impressive feat in baseball.
Life After Baseball
After his baseball career ended, Doc Sykes used his medical training. He went back to Decatur, Alabama, to work as a dentist. He helped people with their teeth.
A Stand for Justice
In 1931, while living in Decatur, Doc Sykes became involved in an important event. He gave testimony in a court case known as the Scottsboro Boys trial. He spoke about the importance of fairness in trials. Because of his involvement, he later moved to Baltimore, Maryland. He continued his dental practice there. Doc Sykes lived in Baltimore until he passed away in 1986, at the age of 94.
