kids encyclopedia robot

Lemuel Hawkins facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Lemuel Hawkins
Lemuel Hawkins 1924.jpg
Hawkins at the 1924 Colored World Series
First baseman
Born: (1895-10-02)October 2, 1895
Macon, Georgia
Died: August 10, 1934(1934-08-10) (aged 38)
Chicago, Illinois
Batted: Left Threw: Left
debut
1921, for the Kansas City Monarchs
Last appearance
1928, for the Chicago American Giants
Negro National League statistics
Batting average .265
Home runs 3
Runs scored 268
Teams
  • 25th Infantry Wreckers (1916)
  • Chicago Giants (1921)
  • Kansas City Monarchs (1921–1927)
  • Chicago American Giants (1928)
Career highlights and awards
  • Negro League World Series champion (1924)

Lemuel Hawkins was a talented American baseball player. He played as a first baseman in the Negro Leagues during the 1920s. He was known for his skills with teams like the Kansas City Monarchs. Hawkins was born in 1895 and passed away in 1934.

Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Lemuel Hawkins plaque, Luther Williams Field
Plaque honoring Hawkins at Luther Williams Field in Macon, Georgia

Lemuel Hawkins was born in Macon, Georgia, in 1895. Before playing professional baseball, he served in World War I. During his time in the military, he played for a successful baseball team. This team was called the 25th Infantry Wreckers. They were stationed in places like Hawaii and Arizona.

Hawkins was a first baseman for the Wreckers. He played alongside other great players. Some of his teammates included Oscar Johnson and Bullet Rogan. Many of these players later joined the Kansas City Monarchs. Hawkins joined the Monarchs in the early 1920s.

A Star in the Negro Leagues

Lemuel Hawkins became a key player for the Kansas City Monarchs. He was their main first baseman from 1921 to 1927. During this time, the Monarchs were one of the best teams.

Winning the World Series

In 1924, Hawkins and the Monarchs achieved something special. They won the 1924 Colored World Series. This was a huge victory for the team. It showed they were champions of Negro League baseball.

Hawkins was known for his fun personality. His teammate, George Sweatt, remembered him well. Sweatt said Hawkins and Bill "Plunk" Drake were very funny. They would often joke around and have fun together.

Career Highlights

After his time with the Monarchs, Hawkins played for the Chicago American Giants. He joined them in 1928. He finished his career in the Negro National League.

Hawkins had a good batting average of .265. He also hit three home runs. Over his career, he scored 268 runs. These numbers show he was a valuable player.

Honoring His Legacy

Lemuel Hawkins is remembered as an important figure in baseball history. In 2016, he received a special honor. A plaque was placed at Luther Williams Field in Macon, Georgia. This plaque celebrates his contributions to the sport. It reminds everyone of his talent and impact.

kids search engine
Lemuel Hawkins Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.