String Bean Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids String Bean Williams |
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| Pitcher / Manager | |||
| Born: 1873 Cairo, Illinois |
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| Died: October 28, 1929 Bronx, New York |
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Andrew Williams (1873 – October 28, 1929) was a famous baseball player and manager. People often called him "String Bean" because he was tall and thin. He played as a pitcher in the Negro Leagues, which were professional baseball leagues for African American players. He also managed several teams during his career.
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Who Was String Bean Williams?
Andrew Williams was born in 1873 in Cairo, Illinois. He became known for his skills on the baseball field. He played for many different teams throughout his career, showing how talented and dedicated he was to the sport.
Playing Baseball in the Negro Leagues
"String Bean" Williams played for many teams in the Negro Leagues. These leagues were very important for Black baseball players. They provided a place for them to play professionally when they were not allowed in Major League Baseball. Some of the teams he played for included the Indianapolis ABCs and the Brooklyn Royal Giants.
Williams was a pitcher, which means he threw the ball to the batter. He was also a manager, guiding his teams and making important decisions during games.
A Special Baseball Record
In 1923, when Andrew Williams was 50 years old, he made his "major league" debut for the Brooklyn Royal Giants. This was a very special moment. To this day, he holds the record for being the oldest player to make their debut in major league history. It shows that age was just a number for "String Bean" Williams!
His Pitching Style
Later in his career, around 1926, some reports described Williams as a submarine pitcher. This is a unique way of throwing the ball. A submarine pitcher throws the ball with their arm very low, almost scraping the ground. This makes the ball move in a tricky way, which can be hard for batters to hit.
Honored by Fellow Players
Andrew Williams was highly respected by other players. In 1952, years after he stopped playing, the Pittsburgh Courier newspaper held a special poll. Players from the Negro Leagues voted for the best players of all time. "String Bean" Williams received votes, showing that his peers recognized his great talent and impact on the game.
