Negro League Baseball Discussion Forum: Former Players – Information Exchange: Mitchell Murray
By Richard Gibson (Mr_red) on Tuesday, May 4, 1999 – 11:16 am:
I am looking for any information on the life and baseball career of a man named Mitchell Murray. I know he served in France during WWI and returned to the US to play in the Negro Leagues. I think he started playing around 1920 and was a catcher for the St. Louis Stars. Any information is appreciated.
By jeffrey a. english (Jeff) on Thursday, May 6, 1999 – 08:46 pm:
Re: Mitchell Murray – According to the Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Leagues, Murray was a solid defensive catcher who hit for a good average. He played for twelve years (1920-1932), and hit as high as .317 with the Stars in 1926. In addition to the Stars, he played for several other teams, including the Indianapolis ABCs and the Chicago American Giants. Hope this is some help to you. If you don't already have the Encyclopedia, I highly recommend it. James A. Riley is wonderful.
Jeff English
By Richard Gibson (Mr_red) on Tuesday, May 11, 1999 – 08:11 pm:
Thanks Jeff. I guess I should have mentioned that I did find that entry in Riley's book. I appreciate it just the same. You're right about it being a great book. I have had a couple of players mention that some of the info about them was not exactly correct or some of it was incomplete, but overall it is an excellent book.
The reason I was looking into Mr. Murray's carreer was that my wife purchased an original photo of him in his army uniform, in France, dated 1918. A note on the back mentioned that he played in the Negro Leagues for St Louis. I think he may have grown up or at least lived somewhere in the area of Cincinnati at some time. I'm just guessing based on this picture supposedly being auctioned by family. It's a great photo and I was just trying to learn a little more about him. I actually wrote to Mr. Riley to see if he may have come across additional info since the book was published. He has, but unfortunately, not on Mr. Murray.
Anyway, thanks again Jeff.
By Richard Gibson (Mr_red) on Wednesday, August 18, 1999 – 04:08 pm:
While reading, "A Complete History of the Negro Leagues, 1884-1955" by Mark Ribowsky, I did find an interesting story concerning Mitchell Murray and Satchel Paige.
Apparently, in one of Paige's early official games, he had hit several batters. I believe Murray was the third batter he had hit this day. The story goes that Murray chased Paige around the field threatening him with the bat. When he finally got frustrated enough with not catching him, Murray threw the bat at Paige but missed him. At that point, Paige picked up the bat and began chasing Murray with it.
Not sure if the story is true or not, but it sure paints a funny scene.