Fred Downer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fred Downer |
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| Outfielder | |||
| Born: September 20, 1896 Royston, Georgia |
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| Died: March 10, 1986 (aged 89) Chicago, Illinois |
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| debut | |||
| 1921, for the Pittsburgh Keystones | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1923, for the Cleveland Tate Stars | |||
| Teams | |||
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Frederick Douglas Downer (born September 20, 1896 – died March 10, 1986) was an American baseball player. He was an outfielder and a manager in the Negro leagues during the early 1920s.
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Fred Downer's Early Life and Baseball Career
Fred Downer was born in Royston, Georgia. He went to college at Morehouse College. This was before he started his baseball career.
Playing in the Negro Leagues
In 1921, Fred Downer played for the Pittsburgh Keystones. He was an outfielder, which means he played in the part of the field farthest from home plate. He also managed the team that year. A manager is like the coach of the team.
Two years later, in 1923, Downer played for another team. This team was called the Cleveland Tate Stars. The Negro leagues were very important. They allowed African-American players to play professional baseball. This was at a time when they were not allowed in Major League Baseball.
A Special Meeting with Ty Cobb
Many years after his baseball career, Fred Downer had a memorable moment. In 1953, he met a famous baseball player named Ty Cobb. Cobb was a Baseball Hall of Famer. He was also from Royston, Georgia, just like Downer.
Their meeting happened at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Jet magazine even wrote about it. They reported that Ty Cobb gave Fred Downer a very warm welcome. This showed respect between two baseball players from different eras.
Later Life
Fred Downer lived a long life. He passed away in Chicago, Illinois in 1986. He was 89 years old.
