James Dudley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids James Dudley |
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| Born | May 12, 1910 Baltimore, Maryland, United States |
| Died | June 1, 2004 (aged 94) Washington, D.C., United States |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Billed from | Washington, D.C. |
| Debut | 1950s |
| Retired | January 4, 2002 |
James Dudley (born May 12, 1910 – died June 1, 2004) was an amazing American. He played baseball and later became a very important person in professional wrestling. He is most famous for his work with the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF).
Dudley made history as the first African-American to manage a major arena in the United States. This was Turner's Arena in Washington, D.C. He worked closely with four generations of the famous McMahon family, who own the wrestling company. He was especially good friends with Vincent J. McMahon. To show how much they valued his work, the company put him back on their payroll when he was 74 years old. James Dudley also helped manage several wrestlers in the WWWF. He was honored for his contributions by being added to the WWF Hall of Fame in 1994.
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Early Life and Baseball Career
James Dudley was born on May 12, 1910. He was a natural athlete. People said he was "excellent" at sports. He could even run the 100-yard dash in less than ten seconds!
In 1924, Dudley tried out for the United States Olympic team. However, he was not allowed to join because African Americans were not permitted on the team at that time. After playing semi-professional baseball in Baltimore, Maryland, Dudley joined the Baltimore Elite Giants. He was 27 years old.
He was nicknamed "Big Train." Dudley played as a catcher for the team. He also helped pitchers warm up in the bullpen. He played alongside other talented catchers like Roy Campanella. Dudley stayed with the Elite Giants until 1945. In total, he played about 60 games in the Negro leagues.
Becoming a Wrestling Executive
James Dudley started working for Jess McMahon in the 1950s. McMahon was a co-owner of the Capitol Wrestling Corporation. When McMahon and his partners formed the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) in 1963, Dudley continued to work for them.
Dudley did many different jobs for the company. He carried water buckets and even counted ticket sales. He became a close friend of Vincent J. McMahon, Jess's son. When Vincent J. McMahon took over the business, Dudley kept working for the family. He often drove McMahon's limousine and was his bodyguard. Dudley even said he thought of McMahon as a father figure.
McMahon gave Dudley more and more important jobs. Eventually, he put Dudley in charge of Turner's Arena in Washington, D.C. This made James Dudley the first African-American to manage such a big arena in the United States. His job also included overseeing other events, like the Town and Country Jamboree television show.
| "Although he was rarely seen by the fans, James Dudley is one of the most important and influential men in sports-entertainment history. In the 1950s and ‘60s, when fans tuned into WWE's weekly TV show, few realized the enormous role Dudley was playing behind the scenes." |
| Hall of Fame Inductees -WWE.com |
Dudley also worked as a manager for several wrestlers. One famous wrestler he managed was Bobo Brazil. Before Brazil's matches, Dudley would wave a towel while running to the ring. This would get the crowd excited! He also managed wrestlers like Bearcat Wright, Sailor Art Thomas, and Sweet Daddy Siki.
Over time, Dudley's role with the company changed. The company moved its main operations to Connecticut. Also, Turner's Arena was torn down. So, Dudley stopped working for them for a while.
A Lasting Legacy
Before Vincent J. McMahon passed away in 1984, he spoke to his son, Vincent K. McMahon. Vincent K. McMahon had taken over the wrestling company, which was then called the WWF. His father told him, "Whatever else you do, you take care of James Dudley."
After Vincent J. McMahon's death, Dudley was put back on the company payroll. He was 74 years old at the time. Vincent K. McMahon also gave Dudley several gifts. This was to show how much he appreciated Dudley's hard work for the company. People have called Dudley an "important cog" in the company. McMahon once said that "had there been no James Dudley, the WWF possibly wouldn't exist as it does today." Dudley always felt very loyal to the McMahons and their wrestling promotion.
In 1994, James Dudley was inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame. Vincent K. McMahon himself inducted him.
Dudley's last appearance with the company was on January 3, 2002. It was during an episode of SmackDown!. In the show's story, Stephanie McMahon was not allowed into the MCI Center. To try and get past security, she pushed Dudley in a wheelchair. But they still couldn't get in! After the scene, Dudley got out of the wheelchair, walked to his seat, and watched the show.
Personal Life and Passing
After retiring from professional wrestling, James Dudley continued to live in Washington, D.C.. He had a very large family. He had 38 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren!
James Dudley passed away peacefully from natural causes on June 1, 2004. He was 94 years old.
Awards and Accomplishments
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- WWF Hall of Fame (Class of 1994)
