Duke Lattimore facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Duke Lattimore |
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| Catcher | |||
| Born: March 26, 1904 Emanuel County, Georgia |
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| Died: February 22, 1986 (aged 81) Virginia Beach, Virginia |
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| debut | |||
| 1929, for the Baltimore Black Sox | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1933, for the Columbus Blue Birds | |||
| Teams | |||
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Albert "Duke" Lattimore (born March 26, 1904 – died February 22, 1986) was an American baseball player. He was a catcher in the Negro leagues. Duke Lattimore played for the Baltimore Black Sox in 1929 and the Columbus Blue Birds in 1933. His story is part of the rich history of baseball in America.
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Who Was Duke Lattimore?
Duke Lattimore was born in Emanuel County, Georgia. He lived from 1904 to 1986. He was known by his nickname "Duke." Sometimes, his name was also written as Alphonso Lattimore. He spent his life in the United States.
Playing Baseball
Duke Lattimore played a special position in baseball: the catcher. A catcher is a very important player on a baseball team. They squat behind home plate. Their main job is to catch pitches thrown by the pitcher. Catchers also help guide the game. They signal to the pitcher what kind of pitch to throw. They also try to stop runners from stealing bases. It takes a lot of skill and quick thinking to be a good catcher.
The Negro Leagues
Duke Lattimore played in the Negro leagues. These leagues were very important in American history. For many years, Black baseball players were not allowed to play in the major baseball leagues. This was due to unfair rules at the time. So, they created their own leagues. These leagues were called the Negro leagues.
A Place for Talent
The Negro leagues were full of amazing talent. Many incredible players showed their skills there. They played exciting games across the country. These leagues gave Black athletes a chance to play professional baseball. They also built strong communities. Teams traveled and played in many cities. They brought joy and entertainment to fans.
Important Teams
Duke Lattimore played for two teams in the Negro leagues. In 1929, he was with the Baltimore Black Sox. This team was based in Baltimore, Maryland. They were a well-known team in the Eastern Colored League. Later, in 1933, Duke played for the Columbus Blue Birds. This team was from Columbus, Ohio. Both teams were part of the vibrant Negro leagues.
Legacy of the Negro Leagues
The Negro leagues were active for many years. They finally ended after 1947. That year, Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier. He became the first Black player in Major League Baseball. This opened the door for many other Black players. The Negro leagues are now remembered as a vital part of baseball history. They showed the world the talent of Black athletes. They also fought for fairness in sports.
Remembering Duke Lattimore
Duke Lattimore was one of the many players who contributed to this history. His time with the Baltimore Black Sox and Columbus Blue Birds is part of this story. Players like Duke helped keep baseball alive for everyone. They played with passion and skill. Their contributions paved the way for future generations.
