Joe Bankhead facts for kids

Joe Bankhead was an American baseball player who lived from 1926 to 1988. He was born and passed away in Empire, Alabama. Joe was a pitcher, which means he threw the ball to the batter. He played in the Negro leagues, which were special baseball leagues for African American players before Major League Baseball became fully integrated.

Joe Bankhead: A Baseball Player

Joe Bankhead played for the Birmingham Black Barons in 1948. The Black Barons were a famous team in the Negro Leagues. After playing in the Negro Leagues, Joe later signed with the Grand Rapids Jets. This team was part of the Central League.

His Baseball Family

Joe Bankhead came from a very talented baseball family! He had three brothers who also played in the Negro Leagues. Their names were Sam, Fred, and Garnett.

His brother Dan Bankhead made history. Dan was the first African American pitcher to play in Major League Baseball. This was a very important step in breaking down barriers in sports.