Pepper Bassett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pepper Bassett |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
|||
| Catcher | |||
| Born: August 5, 1910 Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
|||
| Died: December 28, 1980 (aged 70) Los Angeles, California |
|||
|
|||
| debut | |||
| 1934, for the New Orleans Crescent Stars | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1954, for the Detroit Stars | |||
| Teams | |||
|
|||
Lloyd "Pepper" Bassett was a famous American baseball catcher. He played in the Negro Leagues and the Mexican League. Born on August 5, 1910, he passed away on December 28, 1980. Pepper played professional baseball for many years, from 1934 to 1954. He was especially known for playing with the Birmingham Black Barons. He was even chosen as an All-Star seven times!
Who Was Pepper Bassett?
Lloyd "Pepper" Bassett was a talented baseball player. He was a catcher, which means he caught the ball thrown by the pitcher. He played in two important leagues: the Negro Leagues and the Mexican League. These leagues were very important for Black baseball players during a time when they were not allowed to play in Major League Baseball.
Pepper Bassett started his professional career when he was just 15 years old. This was in 1934, and his first team was the New Orleans Crescent Stars. He played for many different teams throughout his career. Some of these teams included the Philadelphia Stars, the Homestead Grays, and the Pittsburgh Crawfords.
Pepper's Unique Stunt
Pepper Bassett was known for more than just his catching skills. He had a very unusual way to entertain fans! While playing for the New Orleans Crescent Stars, he had a fun idea. He suggested to the team owner that he should catch some games while sitting in a rocking chair.
This stunt was a big success! It helped bring more people to watch the games. Pepper would sometimes use this rocking chair stunt throughout his career. It showed his creative spirit and how much he loved to entertain the crowd.
Later Career and Challenges
Pepper Bassett continued to play baseball for many years. He spent a lot of his career with the Birmingham Black Barons. He was a key player for them from 1944 to 1950.
In 1944, during the 1944 Negro World Series, Pepper Bassett was involved in a car accident. Other players like Tommy Sampson, John Britton, and Leandy Young were also in the car. Despite this challenge, Pepper continued his baseball journey. He played professionally until 1954, finishing his career with the Detroit Stars.
