Jim McCurine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jim McCurine |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
|||
| Outfielder | |||
| Born: May 8, 1921 Clinton, Kentucky |
|||
| Died: May 24, 2002 (aged 81) Chicago, Illinois |
|||
|
|||
| debut | |||
| 1946, for the Chicago American Giants | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1949, for the Chicago American Giants | |||
| Teams | |||
|
|||
James McCurine Jr. (born May 8, 1921 – died May 24, 2002) was a talented American baseball player. He was known by his awesome nickname, "Big Stick". Jim McCurine played as an outfielder in the Negro leagues for the Chicago American Giants from 1946 to 1949.
Who Was "Big Stick" McCurine?
Jim McCurine was born in Clinton, Kentucky. He became famous for his incredibly powerful hitting in baseball games. This skill earned him the nickname "Big Stick."
He played in the Negro leagues, which were professional baseball leagues for African American players. These leagues existed at a time when Black players were not allowed to play in Major League Baseball because of segregation. The Negro leagues were full of amazing talent and exciting games.
Playing for the Chicago American Giants
Jim McCurine's powerful hitting caught the eye of Chicago American Giants manager Candy Jim Taylor. This happened during an exhibition game in 1945. Taylor was so impressed that he signed McCurine to play for his team.
Once he joined the Chicago American Giants, Jim McCurine became a key player. He and his teammate John "Mule" Miles formed one of the best hitting duos in the Negro leagues. They were known for hitting many strong shots and scoring lots of runs. McCurine played for the Giants until 1949.
Jim McCurine passed away in Chicago, Illinois in 2002. He was 81 years old.
