Notes:

In 1914 Williams won an amazing 41 games while being charged with only 3 losses. 85 years later Williams was inducted into the hallowed halls of the National Baseball Hall Of Fame.

Satchel Paige referred to Smokey Joe Williams as “the best pitcher I’ve ever seen.” It is likely that Williams’ contemporaries would all likely agree. During the greater part of a career that spanned 27 seasons Williams was the dominant pitcher in black baseball. With a blazing fastball and exceptional control, he compiled a lengthy list of no-hitters, shutouts and record busting strikeout performances.

Williams reportedly strike out an amazing 27 batters in a single extra-inning game against the Kansas City Monarchs, and is credited with having fanned 20 New York Giants hitters in one of his several matchups against major league competition. But, as extraordinary as were his pitching skills, Williams also possessed a rare stamina and longevity. Having been the ace with every team for which he played beginning in 1905, he closed out his career in 1932 still at the top of the pack. During his last season he combined with Negro League superstars Josh Gibson and Oscar Charleston to form one of the most powerful lineups the Negro Leagues had ever seen.