Gene Smith (pitcher) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gene Smith |
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: April 23, 1916 Ansley, Louisiana |
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| Died: May 25, 2011 (aged 95) Richmond Heights, Missouri |
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| debut | |||
| 1940, for the New Orleans–St. Louis Stars | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1948, for the Cleveland Buckeyes | |||
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Eugene F. Smith (born April 23, 1916 – died May 25, 2011) was an American baseball pitcher. He played for many Negro league baseball teams between 1938 and 1951. Gene Smith was 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighed 185 pounds.
He could hit with both hands (a switch hitter) and threw the ball with his right hand. Smith was known for throwing very fast pitches. He played for nine different Negro league teams during his career. He also played baseball in Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and for Minor League Baseball teams. Gene took a break from baseball to serve in the US Army during World War II from 1943 to 1945.
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Early Life and Family
Gene Smith was born in Ansley, Louisiana. His younger brother, Quincy Smith, also played baseball in the Negro leagues.
Playing in the Negro Leagues
Smith started his Negro league career in 1938 with the Atlanta Black Crackers. After one year, he joined other teams like the Ethiopian Clowns (1939), New Orleans-St. Louis Stars (1940–1941), Kansas City Monarchs (1941), and New York Black Yankees (1942).
After serving in the army, he played for the Pittsburgh Crawfords (1946), Homestead Grays (1946–1947), Cleveland Buckeyes (1946–1950), and Chicago American Giants (1951).
Amazing Pitching Moments
In 1938, while playing for the Black Crackers, Smith pitched two no-hitters in one day! A no-hitter is when a pitcher plays a whole game without any opposing player getting a hit. In 1941, he threw another no-hitter against the Black Yankees. He also started important games in the 1947 Negro World Series.
The Color Barrier in Baseball
Like many talented players in the Negro leagues, Gene Smith was not allowed to play in Major League Baseball. This was because of the "color barrier," which meant only white players could play in the major leagues. When Jackie Robinson broke this barrier in 1947, Gene Smith was getting older. His arm was also tired from many injuries, so he was nearing the end of his career.
Minor League Baseball Career
Gene Smith finished his baseball career in 1953. He played for two different teams that year: the Statesboro Pilots in the Georgia State League and the Fond du Lac Panthers in the Wisconsin State League.
Life After Baseball
After retiring from baseball, Gene Smith worked as a packer for a company called National Lead Co. He retired from that job in 1977. He also coached baseball for the Mathews-Dickey Boys' & Girls' Club, helping young players.
In 1983, he was honored for his achievements and was inducted into the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1997, Gene Smith and other Negro league veterans were celebrated during a St. Louis Cardinals home game. They were honored for their important role in making it possible for Jackie Robinson to join the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Later Years and Passing
Gene Smith lived for a long time in Richmond Heights, Missouri. He passed away there at the age of 95 due to heart problems.
