Don Pelham facts for kids

Wilson Donald Pelham (born April 14, 1908 – died March 28, 1981) was an American outfielder who played baseball in the 1930s. He was part of the Negro leagues, which were professional baseball leagues for African-American players.

Don Pelham's Baseball Journey

Don Pelham was born in Hawthorne, Florida. He began his professional baseball career in 1937. That year, he played for two teams: the Jacksonville Red Caps and the Atlanta Black Crackers.

Playing in the Negro Leagues

The Negro leagues were important because, at the time, African-American players were not allowed to play in Major League Baseball. These leagues gave talented players like Don Pelham a chance to show their skills.

Pelham continued to play for the Atlanta Black Crackers in 1938. During that season, he even took on the role of acting manager for the team. This means he helped lead the team on the field. He also showed his power by hitting the most home runs for his team that year.

Don Pelham passed away in Lake County, Florida, in 1981. He was 72 years old. His time in the Negro leagues is a part of baseball history, highlighting the talent of players who faced challenges during that era.