John Watkins (baseball) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John Watkins |
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| Catcher / Manager | |
| Born: May 18, 1857 Plantation near Durham, North Carolina |
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| Died: February 22, 1924 (aged 66) Durham, North Carolina |
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| debut | |
| 1874, for the Fox Hunters of South Carolina | |
| Last appearance | |
| 1907, for the Cuban Giants | |
| Teams | |
(as manager)
(as college team manager)
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John McCreary "Pop" Watkins (born May 18, 1857 – died February 22, 1924) was an important baseball player and manager. He played in the Negro Leagues for many years. This was before the first major Negro National League was officially formed.
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Who Was Pop Watkins?
John Watkins was known by his nickname, "Pop." He was a talented catcher and later became a successful manager. He played baseball during a time when African-American players were not allowed in Major League Baseball.
Playing Baseball
Pop Watkins spent most of his playing career with the famous Cuban Giants. This team was one of the top African-American baseball teams of its time. He played for them until May 1907. During a game in Oil City, Pennsylvania, he broke his leg. This injury ended his playing days.
The Cuban Giants team later split into several different teams. These included the Cuban X-Giants and the Original Cuban Giants. Because of these splits, it can be tricky for historians to track which players were on which team.
Leading as a Manager
After his injury, Pop Watkins continued his baseball career as a manager. He led several teams, some of which were even named after him. These included the "Pop Watkins Stars" and the "Pop Watkins Giants."
Around 1909, he started a new team called the Havana Red Sox. He managed this team until he passed away in 1924. Pop Watkins was known for helping many young players. Some famous players he helped were George Dixon and Phil Cockrell.
Finding New Talent
Pop Watkins was also a scout. A scout's job is to find new talented players. It is said that he found many white players who later became famous in Major League Baseball. Some of these players included John McGraw and Hughie Jennings.
Life Off the Field
When he wasn't playing or managing baseball, Pop Watkins had other jobs. Records show that he might have sold sporting goods. His death certificate also listed him as a "baseball trainer."
