Jimmy Ford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jimmy Ford |
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| Infielder | |||
| Born: October 16, 1912 Memphis, Tennessee |
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| Died: January 1982 Memphis, Tennessee |
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| debut | |||
| 1937, for the Memphis Red Sox | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1945, for the Memphis Red Sox | |||
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James "Jimmy" Ford was a talented baseball player from the 1930s and 1940s. He played as an infielder in the Negro leagues, which were important baseball leagues for African American players during a time when major league baseball was segregated. Jimmy Ford was born on October 16, 1912, in Memphis, Tennessee.
Jimmy Ford's Baseball Journey
Jimmy Ford began his professional baseball career in 1937. He started playing for his hometown team, the Memphis Red Sox. This team was part of the Negro leagues, which were very popular and had many skilled players.
Playing in the Negro Leagues
The Negro leagues were professional baseball leagues in the United States. They were created because African American players were not allowed to play in Major League Baseball until 1947. These leagues gave amazing athletes like Jimmy Ford a chance to show their talents.
His Teams and Career
After his first year with the Memphis Red Sox, Jimmy Ford played for several different teams. In 1938, he played for the Baltimore Elite Giants, the Birmingham Black Barons, and the Washington Black Senators. Moving between teams was common for players in those days.
From 1939 to 1941, Jimmy played for the New Orleans–St. Louis Stars. He then joined the Chicago American Giants and the New York Black Yankees in 1942. In 1943, he played for the Harrisburg Stars and the Philadelphia Stars.
Jimmy Ford finished his baseball career back where he started. He returned to the Memphis Red Sox and played for them for three more years, from 1943 to 1945. He was a dedicated player who contributed to many different teams during his time in the Negro leagues.
Later Life
After his baseball career, Jimmy Ford lived in his hometown. He passed away in January 1982 in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 69. His contributions to baseball in the Negro leagues are remembered as an important part of sports history.
