Harold Hair facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Harold Hair |
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| Third baseman, shortstop | |||
| Born: May 29, 1932 Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. |
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| Died: April 21, 2025 (aged 92) Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| 1953, for the Birmingham Black Barons | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1958, for the Kansas City Monarchs | |||
| Teams | |||
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Harold O. "Buster" Hair (born May 29, 1932 – died April 21, 2025) was an American professional baseball player. He played as a third baseman and shortstop in the Negro leagues during the 1950s. Buster Hair played for the Birmingham Black Barons and the Kansas City Monarchs. He was known as a good contact hitter, meaning he was good at hitting the ball. His best season was in 1958 with the Monarchs.
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Early Life and College Baseball
Buster Hair was born in Jacksonville, Florida. When he was a kid, he worked as a bat boy for the Jacksonville Red Caps baseball team.
He went to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. There, he played on the baseball team that won four championships in a row! In his final year, he was the team captain. After college, he earned a master's degree in Education from the University of Florida.
Playing Professional Baseball
In 1953, Buster Hair started his professional career. He signed with the Birmingham Black Barons. As a rookie, he was chosen to play in the East-West All-Star Game, which was a big honor.
His baseball career was paused in 1954 because he had to serve in the military. After his military service, Hair joined the Kansas City Monarchs. He played with this team for four years. His best season was in 1958. Some reports say he had a batting average of .355, while others say it was .432. This means he was hitting the ball very well that year.
In 1956, Hair also played 14 games in minor league baseball. He played for the Hamilton Red Wings. During that time, he hit for a .273 batting average and had 4 RBIs (runs batted in).
Life After Baseball
After his time in the Negro leagues, Buster Hair became a coach. He coached baseball, basketball, and football in the Duval County school system. He made history as the first black basketball coach for William M. Raines High School. He even won the coach of the year award for leading his team to a regional championship!
Hair also helped guide many young athletes who later became professionals. Some of these athletes include Ken Burrough, Harold Carmichael, Harold Hart, and Leonard "Truck" Robinson.
Later in his life, Buster Hair became a pastor. He led the St. John's Missionary Baptist Church. He passed away in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 21, 2025, at the age of 92.
Awards and Recognition
- North Carolina A&T Hall of Fame (1996)
