Pop Turner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pop Turner |
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| Infielder | |||
| Born: September 11, 1901 Brooklyn, New York |
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| Died: February 3, 1970 (aged 68) Durham, North Carolina |
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| debut | |||
| 1921, for the Lincoln Giants | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1932, for the Chicago American Giants | |||
| Teams | |||
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Elbert Carter Turner (September 11, 1901 – February 3, 1970) was a talented American baseball player, umpire, and coach. He was known by his cool nicknames, "Cool" and "Pop". Turner played as an infielder in the Negro Leagues, which were professional baseball leagues for African-American players before Major League Baseball was integrated. Later, he became an umpire and even coached college baseball.
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Pop Turner's Early Life and College Days
Elbert Carter Turner was born in Brooklyn, New York on September 11, 1901. When he was older, he went to West Virginia State University. He was a very good athlete there. He played football and was the starting quarterback for his school's team.
Playing Baseball While in College
While still in college, Pop Turner started playing professional baseball in the Negro Leagues in 1921. To protect his amateur status in college sports, he used different names. He played under the aliases "J.H. Wagner" and "Bert Wagner". This was a common practice back then for college athletes who also wanted to play professionally.
His Baseball Playing Career
Pop Turner was an infielder, which means he played positions like first base, second base, third base, or shortstop. He played for several different teams during his career in the Negro Leagues.
Teams Pop Turner Played For
- Lincoln Giants (1921)
- Brooklyn Royal Giants (1921–1927)
- Hilldale Club (1927)
- Bacharach Giants (1927)
- Homestead Grays (1929)
- Birmingham Black Barons (1930)
- Chicago American Giants (1930)
- Cleveland Cubs (1931)
- Chicago American Giants (1932)
Playing in the World Series
A big moment in Pop Turner's playing career was in 1927. He played in the 1927 Colored World Series for the Bacharach Giants. This was like the World Series for the Negro Leagues, where the best teams competed for the championship.
After His Playing Days
After his time as a player, Pop Turner continued to be involved in baseball. He became an umpire in the Negro National League. An umpire is the person who makes sure the rules are followed during a baseball game.
Coaching College Baseball
Later, Pop Turner became a college baseball coach. He was the head coach at North Carolina College. He helped teach and guide young baseball players at the college level.
Later Life
Pop Turner passed away in Durham, North Carolina on February 3, 1970. He was 68 years old. He left behind a legacy as a versatile baseball player, a fair umpire, and a dedicated coach.
