Charley Pride

From BR Bullpen

Charley Frank Pride

• Bats Both, Throws Right
• Height 6' 1", Weight 180 lb.

• Born March 18, 1938 in Sledge, MS USA

Charley Pride was a pitcher for the Memphis Red Sox briefly in 1953 at age 15 and then the Birmingham Black Barons in 1954. Known for his curveball primarily, he returned to Memphis in 1958 after spending a couple years in the Army at age 20 when the Negro Leagues were dying off and did okay against the weakened competition. After briefly playing for the Missoula Timberjacks of the Pioneer League in 1960, he retired from baseball and went on to become one of the most successful black country musicians of all time. Charley is seen at many Texas Rangers games.

Source: The Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Baseball Leagues by James Riley

While in the army, Pride played on the All-Army Champion Team, along with J.C. Hartman, Willie Kirkland, and Leon Wagner.