Halley Harding facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Halley Harding |
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| Shortstop | |||
| Born: November 13, 1904 Wichita, Kansas |
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| Died: April 1, 1967 (aged 62) Chicago, Illinois |
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| debut | |||
| 1926, for the Indianapolis ABCs | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1937, for the Philadelphia Stars | |||
| Teams | |||
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William Claire Halley Harding was an amazing American athlete and writer. He was born on November 13, 1904, and passed away on April 1, 1967. Halley played baseball as a shortstop in the Negro leagues from 1926 to 1937. He was also a talented football player and a professional basketball player! Later in his life, he became a strong voice for fairness and equality in sports.
Halley's Early Life and Sports
Halley Harding grew up in Wichita, Kansas. He went to college at Knox College and Wilberforce University. While in college, he was a fantastic football player. He played as a quarterback and was also a great punter.
But Halley's talents weren't just in football. He also played professional basketball! He was part of a famous team called the Harlem Rens.
Baseball Career in the Negro Leagues
In 1926, Halley Harding started his professional baseball career. He joined the Indianapolis ABCs team. This was part of the Negro leagues. These leagues were very important. They allowed African American players to play professional baseball when they were not allowed in Major League Baseball.
Halley played for several teams during his baseball career. He played for the Detroit Stars from 1927 to 1928. Then he joined the Kansas City Monarchs from 1928 to 1930. He also played for the Baltimore Black Sox and the Chicago Columbia Giants in 1931. His last season was in 1937 with the Philadelphia Stars.
Fighting for Fairness in Sports
After his time playing baseball, Halley Harding became a sportswriter. He worked for important newspapers like the Los Angeles Tribune and the Los Angeles Sentinel. He used his writing to speak up for what was right.
Halley was a very important person in the fight to end segregation in sports. Segregation meant that Black and white athletes were kept separate. He strongly believed that all athletes should be able to play together. Halley was a leading voice in helping to integrate the Los Angeles Rams football team. He also pushed for the entire National Football League to become more inclusive.
Halley Harding passed away in Chicago, Illinois in 1967. He was 62 years old. He is remembered as a talented athlete and a champion for equality in sports.
