Mack Pride facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mack Pride |
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| Born: May 27, 1932 Sledge, Mississippi |
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| Died: September 23, 2018 (aged 86) Wheat Ridge, Colorado |
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Mack A. Pride Jr. (born May 27, 1932 – died September 23, 2018) was a professional pitcher. He played in the Negro Leagues, a time when baseball was segregated. Mack batted and threw with his right hand.
Early Life and Family
Mack Pride Jr. was born in Sledge, Mississippi. He was one of eleven children. His family worked as sharecroppers, which meant they farmed land owned by someone else.
Mack loved music, but his big dream was to play professional baseball. His younger brother, Charley Pride, also played in the Negro Leagues. Charley later became a very famous country music singer.
Playing in the Negro Leagues
Mack Pride played baseball for two seasons in the Negro American League. In 1955, he pitched for the Memphis Red Sox. The next year, in 1956, he played for the Kansas City Monarchs. During his time playing, he earned the cool nickname "Mack the Knife."
Life After Baseball
After his baseball career, Mack Pride became a Christian minister. He worked in religious broadcasting. He also loved to sing at weddings, night clubs, and funerals.
For over 40 years, Mack worked many different jobs. He also spent his free time coaching Little League Baseball. He helped young players learn the game.
A Special Tribute
In 2008, Major League Baseball (MLB) held a very special event. They honored the players from the Negro Leagues. These players were not allowed to play in the major leagues because of their race.
MLB teams each chose a former Negro League player in a special draft. Mack Pride was picked by the Colorado Rockies. His brother Charley was chosen by the Texas Rangers. This was a way to celebrate their amazing talent and contributions to baseball.
