September 29, 1999 20:35:25 CST
William Owens Has Passed Away In Indianapolis
Last remaining Eastern Colored League player passes.
NLB Dot Com
Staff
INDIANAPOLIS — William Owens, Sr., the last remaining player to participate in the Eastern Colored League, died of complications of diabetes on May 5th in Indianapolis. Owens’ baseball career began in 1923 with the Washington Potomacs (ECL) and continued for nearly a decade. His career included stints with the Chicago American Giants, Dayton Marcos, Cleveland Elites, Cleveland Hornets, Birmingham Black Barons and Memphis Red Sox, as well as brief appearances with a number of other clubs.
A light hitting shortstop, Owens was most comonly deployed as a utility infielder. Throughout his career he demonstrated exceptional defensive skills, but was often plagued by injuries. His best seasons were played with the Birmingham Black Barons and Memphis Red Sox during the mid-1920s. As an everyday player Owens compiled batting averages in the .250 range.
After retiring from baseball and pursuing a brief career as a professional pool player, Owens returned to Indianapolis where he worked several jobs and, at one time, operated a pool hall. In his later years Owens was active in community programs and participated in youth baseball programs.
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