John Barnes (catcher) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John Barnes |
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| Catcher | |||
| Born: June 5, 1903 Pensacola, Florida |
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| Died: August 27, 1972 (aged 69) Cleveland Heights, Ohio |
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| debut | |||
| 1921, for the Cleveland Tate Stars | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1931, for the St. Louis Stars | |||
| Teams | |||
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John Cleveland Barnes (born June 5, 1903 – died August 27, 1972) was an American baseball player. He was known by his nicknames "Fat" and "Tubby". John Barnes played as a catcher in the Negro leagues during a time when African American players were not allowed in Major League Baseball. His career lasted from 1921 to 1931. He played for many different teams, including the Cleveland Tate Stars and the St. Louis Stars.
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Who Was John Barnes?
John Cleveland Barnes was a talented baseball player. He was born in Pensacola, Florida. He grew up loving the game of baseball. John played a very important position on the field: the catcher. Catchers are key players in any baseball game.
Playing in the Negro Leagues
During John Barnes's time, baseball was different. African American players could not play in the main Major League Baseball teams. Because of this, they created their own leagues. These were called the Negro leagues. These leagues had many amazing players. They played exciting games all across the country. The Negro leagues were very important. They gave Black athletes a chance to show their skills. They also helped keep baseball popular in many communities.
What Does a Catcher Do?
A catcher is a special player in baseball. They squat behind home plate. Their main job is to catch pitches thrown by the pitcher. They also help guide the pitcher. Catchers need to be very strong and quick. They wear lots of protective gear. This includes a mask, chest protector, and shin guards. This gear keeps them safe from fast pitches and foul balls. Catchers also try to stop runners from stealing bases. John Barnes was a left-handed batter and a right-handed thrower. This combination is somewhat rare for a catcher.
His Baseball Journey
John Barnes started his professional baseball career in 1921. His first team was the Cleveland Tate Stars. He played with them for a few years. Like many players in the Negro leagues, John often moved between different teams. This was common as teams formed, changed, or sometimes struggled financially.
Teams John Barnes Played For
John Barnes played for several teams during his career. Each team was part of the exciting history of the Negro leagues. Here are some of the teams he played for:
- Cleveland Tate Stars (1921-1923)
- Toledo Tigers (1923)
- Cleveland Browns (1924)
- Detroit Stars (1924)
- St. Louis Stars (1925-1926, 1931)
- Cleveland Elites (1926)
- Indianapolis ABCs (1926)
- Cleveland Hornets (1927)
- Cleveland Tigers (1928)
- Memphis Red Sox (1930)
He spent parts of three seasons with the Cleveland Tate Stars. He also played for the St. Louis Stars in two different periods. His last known season was in 1931 with the St. Louis Stars.
Legacy
John Barnes passed away in 1972 in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. He was 69 years old. Even though he didn't play in Major League Baseball, his contributions were very important. He was part of a group of talented athletes. These players kept the spirit of baseball alive during a challenging time. They showed great skill and determination. Their legacy helped pave the way for future generations of baseball players.
