If I can complete the whole thing I'll put them all together in one big post.
There is tons of info out there on Mr. Miles if you Google it, so I'll just link to the search. He's probably most famous for hitting HRs in 11 straight games (eleven!), because of which his manager "Candy" Taylor said Miles "hits like a mules kicks"....and so a legend was born.
He was kind enough to also take the time to fill out the little question sheet I send out, which is always a pretty awesome gesture. Favorite player growing up: Babe Ruth. Toughest Pitcher he had to face: Satchel Paige. Favorite current player: Ryan Howard with the Phillies. If you are like me and semi-desperate for a reason to root for the Phillies against the Yanqis, I think that's sufficient reason right there: the image of an elderly gentleman famous for hitting like a mules kicks pulling for Ryan Howard.
He also included two sheets with further info one his career, which I scanned and have included here. A click and they should go full-sized.
And #2:
Finally, Mr. Miles said his favorite teammate was Clyde McNeal. I've done some research on Mr. McNeal, but am coming up empty so far. Any advice on where to look would be great appreciated!
A big "thank you" to Mr. Miles, opening up your letter was awesome! Have a great one, everybody and goodnight Pumpsie Green, wherever you are!
Take a look over at his baseball-reference.com listing.
ReplyDeleteThere's also a thread on him at baseball-fever.com.
Thanks, Mark! You rock.
ReplyDeletecheck this out
ReplyDeletenlbpa.com/mcneal_clyde.html
Great post!!! The Mule is awesome! I really need to check out past years of Allen and Ginter-I didn't know there were Negro League Legends included. When you get a chance, please hook me up with Mule's addy... That is really awesome that he answered all of your questions, great job!
ReplyDeleteGreat letter. Such an interesting period in baseball. Too bad that such men could not play in and enjoy the integrated leagues of today. I think what is the most amazing part of that history was the attitude and the meekness and mildness of the black players even with the hatred that they faced. Jackie Robinson comes to mind as an example.
ReplyDelete