Samuel Burris (baseball) facts for kids

Samuel James Burris (born July 21, 1919 – died June 19, 1982) was a skilled American baseball player. People often called him "Speed" because of his quick pitching. He played as a pitcher in the Negro Leagues during the 1940s.

Burris was born in Centralia, Illinois. He became known for his baseball talent. He played for the Birmingham Black Barons team.

Who Was Samuel "Speed" Burris?

Samuel Burris was a professional baseball player. He was born in 1919 and passed away in 1982. His nickname, "Speed," showed how fast he could throw the baseball.

He played during a time when baseball was different. African American players like Samuel Burris played in special leagues. These were called the Negro Leagues.

Playing in the Negro Leagues

The Negro Leagues were baseball leagues in the United States. They were for African American players. This was because of segregation, which meant Black and white players could not play together in the major leagues.

Many amazing players, like Samuel Burris, played in these leagues. They showed incredible skill and passion for the game. The Negro Leagues were very important for baseball history.

His Time with the Birmingham Black Barons

In 1940, Samuel Burris joined the Birmingham Black Barons. This was a famous team in the Negro Leagues. They were based in Birmingham, Alabama.

Burris played as a pitcher for the team. Records show he played in four games. He pitched for about nine innings in total. His ERA (Earned Run Average) was 4.82. This number helps show how well a pitcher performs.

Life Beyond Baseball

Samuel Burris's professional baseball career was short. However, he was part of an important era in sports. He helped pave the way for future generations.

He passed away in 1982 when he was 62 years old. His contributions to baseball, even for a short time, are remembered. He is part of the rich history of the Negro Leagues.