Leon Day

Leon Day (1916-1995), American baseball player who appeared in a record seven All-Star Games in the Negro Leagues. A pitcher, infielder, and outfielder during the 1930s and 1940s, Day was an overpowering hurler and a consistent .300 hitter.

Day was born in Alexandria, Virginia. When he was 17 he was invited to join the Baltimore Black Sox. During his career in the Negro Leagues he also played for the Brooklyn Eagles, the Newark Eagles, and the Baltimore Elite Giants. A fierce competitor who was known for his sense of humor, he played outfield and second base when he wasn’t pitching. In 1937 he turned in perhaps his finest season, posting a 13-0 win-loss record for the Newark Eagles along with a .320 batting average. In 1942 he set a Negro League record by striking out 18 hitters in one game.

Day served in the armed forces during World War II (1939-1945), pitching for integrated service teams in Europe. He returned to the United States and pitched a no-hitter on opening day of the 1946 Negro League season. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995.