Ray Dandridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ray Dandridge |
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| Third baseman | |||
| Born: August 31, 1913 Richmond, Virginia |
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| Died: February 12, 1994 (aged 80) Palm Bay, Florida |
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| debut | |||
| 1933, for the Indianapolis ABCs/Detroit Stars | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1955, for the Bismarck Barons | |||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
Negro leagues
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 Baseball Hall of Fame |
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| Induction | 1987 | ||
| Election Method | Veterans Committee | ||
Raymond Emmitt Dandridge (born August 31, 1913 – died February 12, 1994) was a famous American baseball player. People called him "Hooks" and "Squat" because of his unique way of standing. He was an amazing third baseman in the Negro leagues.
Ray Dandridge was known for his excellent defense and for hitting the ball really well. Sadly, by the time Major League Baseball allowed Black players, he was thought to be too old to join. Later in his life, he was honored by being added to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987.
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Ray Dandridge's Early Life
Ray Dandridge was born in Richmond, Virginia. His parents were Archie and Alberta Thompson Dandridge.
As a kid, Ray loved playing many sports. He played baseball, football, and even tried boxing. After he hurt his leg playing football, his dad made him stop. So, Ray focused all his energy on baseball. He would often play using a tree branch as a bat and a golf ball wrapped in string and tape.
Ray lived in Buffalo, New York, for a while. Later, he and his family moved back to Richmond. He played baseball for local teams in the Church Hill area of Richmond. People started to notice his short, bowed legs. This is how he got his nicknames "Hooks" and "Squat." In 1933, while playing for a local team, a manager named Candy Jim Taylor discovered him. Taylor managed the Indianapolis ABCs/Detroit Stars.
Ray Dandridge's Baseball Career
Ray Dandridge started playing for the Detroit Stars in 1933. From 1934 to 1938, he played for the Newark Dodgers, which later became the Newark Eagles. While playing for the Eagles, Ray was part of a famous group of players. They were called the "Million Dollar Infield." This group also included Dick Seay, Mule Suttles, and Willie Wells. They were known for being incredibly talented.
In 1939, Ray felt he was not being paid enough by the Eagles. So, he moved to the Mexican League. He played there for nine of the next ten seasons. He did return to the Eagles for one last season in 1944. In 1947, Bill Veeck, who owned the Cleveland Indians, asked Ray to join his team. This could have made Ray one of the first Black players in Major League Baseball. But Ray said no. He did not want to move his family from Mexico. Also, the team owner in Mexico, Jorge Pasquel, treated him very well. Pasquel paid him $10,000 a season, plus his living costs.
The next year, Pasquel died in a plane crash. This led Ray Dandridge to return to the United States. He became a player-manager for the New York Cubans. Even though he was good enough for the major leagues, he never got the chance to play there. Instead, he spent his last years playing in Triple-A baseball. This was the highest level of minor league baseball. In 1949, he hit for a .362 batting average. He also led all third basemen in the American Association in fielding percentage. He continued to hit well, with a .360 average in his final minor league season in 1955.
Many people believe Ray Dandridge was one of the best fielders ever. He was also one of the best hitters for average. Monte Irvin, who played in both the Negro leagues and Major League Baseball, said Ray was the greatest third baseman he ever saw. Irvin added that Ray almost never made more than two errors in a season. Ray also helped teach a young Willie Mays how to play. Because of the "gentlemen's agreement," which kept African Americans out of Major League Baseball, Ray was considered too old when Black players were finally allowed to join.
Ray Dandridge's Later Years
After he stopped playing baseball in 1955, Ray Dandridge worked as a scout for the San Francisco Giants. A scout helps find new talented players. Later, he managed a recreation center in Newark, New Jersey. He spent his last years living in Palm Bay, Florida.
In 1987, Ray Dandridge was chosen to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame. This is one of the highest honors a baseball player can receive. He passed away at the age of 80 in Palm Bay, Florida.
Ray's nephew, Brad Dandridge, also played professional baseball. He played from 1993 to 1998, mostly for teams in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.
Images for kids
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Ray Dandridge in his baseball uniform.
