Diunte: James ‘Red’ Moore, Negro Leagues legend, dies at 99

From SABR member Nick Diunte at Examiner.com on February 8, 2016:

James “Red “ Moore, a long-time first baseman in the Negro Leagues, passed away in Atlanta, Georgia on February 6, 2016. He was 99.

Born November 18, 1916 in Atlanta, Moore developed his talents at Booker T. Washington High School. His exploits in the field and at the plate attracted the attention of the Chattanooga Choo Choos of the Negro Southern League in 1935. Word of his play at first base spread through the league and he was picked up by the famed Newark Eagles of the Negro National League in 1936. He joined an infield that earned the nickname of “The Million Dollar Infield,” which included Hall of Famers Willie Wells at shortstop and Ray Dandridge at third base.

“Wells was one of the greatest shortstops you’d ever want to see,” Moore said in a 2008 interview. “Dandridge, I can’t see why he didn’t make it into the majors. … He was one of the best third baseman that ever played the game.”

Moore was fancied as one of the finest fielding first baseman in the league, going as far as taking throws behind his back during infield practice to the delight of the fans. When the Atlanta Black Crackers joined the Negro American League in 1938, Moore returned to his hometown to shore up their infield defense. He quickly became a fan favorite, earning a selection to the Southern News Service’s Negro American All-Star team.

Read the full article here: http://www.examiner.com/article/james-red-moore-negro-league-legend-passes-away-at-99



Originally published: February 8, 2016. Last Updated: February 8, 2016.