Sammy Bankhead
From BR Bullpen
Samuel Howard Bankhead
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 8", Weight 175 lb.
- Born September 18, 1905 in Empire, AL USA
- Died July 24, 1976 in Pittsburgh, PA USA
Sammy Bankhead played many years in the Negro Leagues, primarily for the Homestead Grays. In 1951, he signed with the Farnham Pirates in the Provincial League as player-manager, becoming the first African-American to manage in O.B. The team went 52-71, finishing 7th in the 8 team league in 1951. The Pirates did not return to the Provincial League in 1952.
Bankhead's brother, Dan Bankhead, was the first African-American pitcher in the major leagues. His other brothers Fred, Joe, and Garnett also played in the Negro Leagues.
