Townsend Tapley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids William Tapley |
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| Shortstop | |||
| Born: February 10, 1913 Winona, Missouri |
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| Died: January 6, 1993 (aged 79) Omaha, Nebraska |
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| debut | |||
| 1933, for the Akron Grays | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1933, for the Akron Grays | |||
| Teams | |||
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William Townsend Tapley (born February 10, 1913 – died January 6, 1993) was an American baseball player. He played as a shortstop in the Negro leagues. William was the brother of another Negro league player, John Tapley. He played for the Akron Grays team in 1933.
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Who Was William Tapley?
William Townsend Tapley was born in Winona, Missouri, on February 10, 1913. He grew up loving baseball, like many kids at that time. He became a skilled player, known for his role as a shortstop. A shortstop is a key defensive position in baseball, playing between second and third base. They need to be quick and have a strong throwing arm.
A Family of Baseball Players
William wasn't the only baseball player in his family. His brother, John Tapley, also played in the Negro leagues. It was common for brothers to play baseball together, sometimes even on the same teams. This shows how important baseball was to many families.
Playing for the Akron Grays
William Tapley played professional baseball in 1933. He was a member of the Akron Grays team. The Akron Grays were one of the many teams in the Negro leagues. These leagues were very important for African American players during a time when major league baseball was segregated.
What Were the Negro Leagues?
The Negro leagues were professional baseball leagues in the United States. They were created because African American players were not allowed to play in the main Major League Baseball teams. This was due to racial segregation laws and practices at the time.
Why Were They Important?
Even though they faced unfair rules, the Negro leagues were full of amazing talent. Many players who later became famous, like Jackie Robinson, started their careers in these leagues. The Negro leagues gave Black players a chance to play professional baseball. They also provided entertainment and a sense of community for many people.
A Legacy of Talent
Players like William Tapley helped keep baseball alive and exciting for African American fans. They showed incredible skill and dedication to the game. Their contributions are a vital part of baseball history. The Negro leagues paved the way for future generations of players.
