Nap Gulley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nap Gulley |
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| Pitcher/Outfielder | |||
| Born: August 29, 1924 Huttig, Arkansas |
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| Died: August 21, 1999 (aged 74) Skokie, Illinois |
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| debut | |||
| 1943, for the Cleveland Buckeyes | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1947, for the Newark Eagles | |||
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Napoleon Gulley (born August 29, 1924 – died August 21, 1999) was a talented American baseball player. He was a pitcher in the Negro leagues during the 1940s. He also played as an Outfielder later in his career.
Contents
Early Life and Sports
Napoleon Gulley was born on August 29, 1924, in Huttig, Arkansas. His parents were Roland G. Gulley and Cinderella Fountain. He grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, where he went to Vashon High School. At school, Napoleon was a great athlete, playing baseball, basketball, and football.
Playing Baseball: Major Leagues
Starting in the Negro Leagues
When he was just 16 years old, Napoleon Gulley was playing for local semi-pro teams in Missouri. That's when Dizzy Dismukes, the general manager for the famous Kansas City Monarchs, signed him to a contract. Gulley briefly joined the Monarchs for spring training. Soon after, he was traded to the Birmingham Black Barons.
Time with the Black Barons
Gulley was part of the Black Barons' pitching team in 1941 and 1942. Even though he was on the team, he didn't play in any official league games during this time.
Playing for the Cleveland Buckeyes
In 1943, Gulley joined the Cleveland Buckeyes. He stayed with them as a pitcher until 1945. He played in one official league game for the Buckeyes, which was a complete game loss. However, he often pitched in practice games and special exhibition matches. In 1943, he got an injury that kept him from playing for a while. By 1945, he wasn't getting much playing time, so he asked to leave the team. After leaving, he joined the Harlem Globetrotters baseball team with his former teammate, Ted Radcliffe.
Short Stays with Other Teams
Gulley briefly played for the Chicago American Giants in 1946 during a special tour. He also joined the Newark Eagles in 1947. With the Eagles, he played in three official league games, losing two of them.
Playing Baseball: Minor Leagues
West Coast and Barnstorming
After leaving the Buckeyes, Gulley pitched for the Harlem Globetrotters' baseball team. In 1946, this team changed its name to the Seattle Steelheads and joined a new league called the West Coast Negro Baseball Association. Gulley continued to play for them.
Traveling and Playing
After a month with the Steelheads, Gulley joined the Chicago American Giants again. Later, he played for many different teams that traveled around the country, like the Cincinnati Crescents, Detroit Senators, and Kansas City Royals. He even teamed up with other Black baseball stars in 1948 to tour the country with the Jackie Robinson All-Stars. When he wasn't pitching, Gulley often played in the outfield.
Bus Accident
In 1947, while traveling with the Detroit Senators, Gulley and five teammates were in a bus accident. The bus's brakes failed, and it crashed into a shed. Gulley was treated at a hospital for cuts on his hands and legs and was soon released.
Playing in Other Countries
Mexican League Experience
In 1948, Gulley was one of many American players invited to play in the Mexican League, which allowed players of all races. He played for the Alijadores de Tampico in 1948. In 1949, he played for two different Mexican teams: the Tuneros de San Luis Potosi and the Diablos Rojos del Mexico.
Playing in Canada
After his time in Mexico, Gulley moved north to Canada in 1949. He played in the independent Provincial League, splitting his time between the Farmham Pirates and the St. Jean Braves.
Return to Minor League Baseball
Back with the Chicago American Giants
In 1949, Gulley also rejoined the Chicago American Giants, which was then considered a minor league team.
Chance with the Brooklyn Dodgers
In 1950, the famous Brooklyn Dodgers noticed Gulley and signed him to a minor league contract. He was assigned to the Santa Barbara Dodgers in California. However, he never played a game for them and later left the team.
Success with the Visalia Cubs
Gulley then signed with the Visalia Cubs, another team in the California League. With the Cubs, he started playing full-time in the outfield. In his first season, he hit for a good average of .292. Gulley became a popular player and stayed with the Cubs until 1952, and then rejoined them in 1954.
Moving Up in Leagues
In 1953, Gulley moved up to the Class A Victoria Tyees, where he hit .270 in 28 games. In 1955, he joined the Class B Spokane Indians. He had a fantastic season, hitting .361 and bringing in 126 runs for his team.
End of His Career
In 1956, Gulley returned to California to play for the Salinas Packers, a team connected to the Milwaukee Braves. During a game, he broke his wrist when he was hit by a pitch. This injury sadly brought his baseball career to an end.
Career Highlights
- In 1946, Napoleon Gulley pitched an amazing no-hit, no-run game against a team of major and minor league all-stars in San Diego.
- In 1952, Gulley led the California League in doubles, hitting 43 of them.
Pitching Style
When Napoleon Gulley was pitching, he was known for his fast fastball. His best "out pitch" (the pitch he used to get batters out) was an overhand drop curveball.
Life After Baseball
After retiring from baseball, Napoleon Gulley moved to Chicago. There, he started his own business in graphic arts. In 1998, the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team honored Gulley. They added his name to their Negro League Wall of Fame at County Stadium, which later moved to Miller Park.
Death and Legacy
Napoleon Gulley passed away in Skokie, Illinois, in 1999 at the age of 74. In 2019, he was honored again when he was chosen to be in the Union County, Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.
