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Verdell Mathis
Verdell Mathis.jpg
Pitcher
Born: (1914-11-18)November 18, 1914
Crawfordsville, Arkansas
Died: October 30, 1998(1998-10-30) (aged 83)
Memphis, Tennessee
Batted: Left Threw: Left
debut
1940, for the Memphis Red Sox
Last appearance
1948, for the Memphis Red Sox
Teams

Verdell Mathis was an amazing American baseball player. He was born on November 18, 1914, in Crawfordsville, Arkansas. Verdell became well-known for playing in the Negro leagues from 1940 to 1948. He was a versatile player, meaning he could play different positions, including infielder and pitcher. Most of his career was spent playing for the Memphis Red Sox.

Who Was Verdell Mathis?

Verdell Mathis was a left-handed player who both batted and threw with his left hand. He was a key player during a time when baseball was still segregated in the United States. This meant that African American players like Verdell could not play in the major leagues with white players. Instead, they played in their own professional leagues, known as the Negro leagues.

Playing in the Negro Leagues

The Negro leagues were very important for baseball history. They allowed many talented African American players to show off their skills. These leagues were full of incredible athletes, and games were often exciting and competitive. Verdell Mathis was one of the many stars who played in these leagues, earning respect for his talent and dedication.

His Baseball Journey

Verdell Mathis started his professional baseball career in 1940 with the Memphis Red Sox. He played for them for many years, from 1940 to 1948. During this time, he also played for a couple of other teams. In 1941, he joined the Chicago American Giants for a season. Later, in 1943, he played with the Philadelphia Stars. Even though he played for other teams, he always returned to the Memphis Red Sox, which shows how important he was to that team.

Verdell Mathis passed away on October 30, 1998, in Memphis, Tennessee. He is remembered as a significant player in the history of the Negro leagues.

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