Hank Presswood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hank Presswood |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
|||
| Shortstop / Third baseman | |||
| Born: October 7, 1921 Electric Mills, Mississippi |
|||
| Died: December 27, 2014 (aged 93) Chicago, Illinois |
|||
|
|||
| Teams | |||
|
|||
Henry "Hank" Presswood (born October 7, 1921 – died December 27, 2014) was an amazing baseball player. He played as an infielder, which means he played in the inner part of the baseball field. Hank was part of the Negro American League, a special league for African-American players during a time when baseball was segregated. He batted and threw with his right hand.
Contents
Hank's Early Life and Baseball Dreams
Hank Presswood was born in a place called Electric Mills, Mississippi. Like many kids who loved baseball, he started playing sandlot ball. This is like playing baseball with friends in an empty field or lot.
He joined his first organized team, the Mill City Jitterbugs, in 1936 when he was about 15 years old. After that, he played for the Denkman All-Stars in Canton, Mississippi, from 1938 to 1944. He loved playing baseball close to home.
Serving His Country and Joining the Negro Leagues
From 1945 to 1947, Hank Presswood served in the United States Army during World War II. After his time in the army, he went back to playing with the Denkman All-Stars for a short while.
Even though he was happy playing locally, a big opportunity came his way. He was offered a chance to play in the famous Negro Leagues! In 1948, Hank joined the Cleveland Buckeyes. He quickly became their shortstop, a key position on the field. He played alongside other great players like Webbo Clarke, Sam Jethroe, and Sam 'Toothpick' Jones.
This was a huge step for Hank. The Cleveland Buckeyes were the champions of the Negro American League. This was also a special time in baseball history. Just a year before, brave players like Jackie Robinson had started to break the "color barrier" in Major League Baseball. This meant that African-American players could finally play in the same league as white players.
Playing for the Kansas City Monarchs
Hank played with the Cleveland Buckeyes until the team stopped playing in 1950. After taking a year off, he was picked up by another famous team: the Kansas City Monarchs. This team was managed by the legendary Buck O'Neil.
Hank played for the Monarchs as a third baseman from 1952 to 1953. During this time, a future baseball star named Ernie Banks was the team's regular shortstop. Buck O'Neil gave Hank the nickname "Baby," and it stayed with him even after his baseball career ended. Buck O'Neil was also a great mentor for Hank, helping him both on and off the field.
Life After Baseball
When his time playing professional baseball ended, Hank Presswood settled down in Chicago, Illinois. He worked at the Inland Steel Company for 30 years. He even continued to play fast-pitch softball for the company's team!
Years later, in 2008, Hank received a special honor. Major League Baseball held a "special draft" for the surviving Negro League players. This was a way to honor these players who were not allowed to play in the Major Leagues because of their race. A Hall of Fame player named Dave Winfield came up with the idea. Each MLB team chose a former Negro League player. Hank Presswood was drafted by the Chicago White Sox as a shortstop/third baseman. It was a wonderful way to recognize his talent and contributions.
In 2010, Topps, a famous company that makes baseball cards, honored Hank with his very own baseball card! It was part of their Allen & Ginter set. Hank was excited to finally have what he called his "rookie card."
In his later years, Hank Presswood became a spokesperson for the Negro Leagues. He went to many events and shared amazing stories and memories from his playing days with baseball fans and history lovers. He passed away in 2014 in Chicago, at the age of 93.
