September 30, 1999 12:13:15 CST
“Biz” Mackey: The Jolly Giant
The personable Mackey was a skilled teacher of the game.
Negro League Baseball Dot Com
Staff
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Raleigh “Biz” Mackey |
Perhaps more than any other Negro League star Biz Mackey enjoyed the respect and admiration of his contemporaries, not only for his exemplary skills as a catcher, but for his constantly uptempo attitude, jovial manner and extraordinary skills as a teacher of the game.
Ranked by Cumberland Posey (owner of the Homestead Grays) as Negro baseball’s all-time greatest catcher, Posey commented that “Mackey was a tremendous hitter, a fierce competitor, although slow afoot he is the standout among catchers who have shown their wares in this nation.”
Mackey first appeared in the Negro National League in 1922 with the Indianapolis ABCs, the commencement of a twenty-five year career as a player and manager. He represented the East in the first All-Star Classic in 1933, and appeared in three additional East-West all-star games as a representative of the Philadelphia Stars and Baltimore Elite Giants.
A lifetime .300+ power hitter, Mackey was also responsible for the development of numerous young players. Roy Campanella’s skills behind the plate were ultimately the product of Mackey’s refinements, and the hitting prowess of such stars as Lary Doby and Monte Irvin reflected the influence of Mackey’s instruction. As the manager of the Newark Eagles, Mackey guided that club to a Negro World Championship in 1948.
Bio In Brief
Born: July 27, 1897
Birthplace: Eagle Pass, Texas
Died: 1959?
Teams: San Antonio Black Aces, Indianapolis ABCs, New York Lincoln Giants, Hilldale Daisies, Philadelphia Royal Giants, Washington Elite Giants, Baltimore Elite Giants, Philadelphia Stars, Newark Dodgers, Newark Eagles
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