Candy Jim Taylor
James Allen "Candy Jim" Taylor (February 1, 1884 – April 3, 1948) was an American third baseman and manager in Negro league baseball.
Contents |
[edit] Biography
Born in Anderson, South Carolina, Taylor was one of four brothers who played in the Negro Leagues, along with Ben, C. I. and "Steel Arm" Johnny. He made his professional debut at the age of 19 and spent his entire adult life in the game of baseball, playing primarily at third base. In 1916, he helped the Indianapolis ABC's to win the Black World Championship.
A disciplinarian and a master strategist, as manager Taylor led the St. Louis Stars to their first championship in 1928. The Great Depression took its toll on the economics of the game, and while managing the 1933 Richmond All-Stars, Taylor was forced to sell the team bus, and later had to send the players home.
In 1943 Taylor managed the Homestead Grays to their first Negro League World Series title, repeating their success again the following year.
[edit] Post Baseball Career
Candy Jim Taylor died at age 64 in Chicago, Illinois and was interred in the Burr Oak Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois. He was buried in an unmarked grave which remained unmarked for nearly 54 years, until the Negro Leagues Baseball Grave Marker Project raised funds for a proper headstone in 2004.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Negro league baseball statistics for some seasons and player information from Seamheads.com
- Baseball Hall of Fame candidate biography
- Negro Leagues Baseball eMuseum
