 James "Redhorse" Wesley
1989 Greater Flint
Afro-American Hall of Fame Inductee
Category: MULTIPLE SPORTS
Daughter: Brenda
Son: Jimmy
James Wesley's career began in Flint during a period when descrimination
was a common practice in the field of sports. Wesley was always a fierce
competitor, never backing away from a challenge. His accomplishments
were many throughout his career. In his teens he had a terrific arm.
He received a trial with the Homestead Grays and when it appeared he
had made the team, his parents stepped in and said "No" because
they felt he was too young to be away from home. Wesley's loss to the
Grays was a blessing to Flint.
In the early 30's Wesley was pitching on Flint sandlots. In 1936,
while pitching for the Sinclair Oil Team, he became the talk of the
league. Not only did he pitch Sinclair to the Play-off Championship
but from 1936 to 1939, he ranked second or third in the league in pitching
the most innings and games in a season,while averaging about 7 strike-outs
a game. He had some great pitching duels against the legendary Steve
Bysco and Ted Pritchard. It was nothing to see Wesley pitch three or
four games in a week. He even pitched a doubleheader in 1936. Wesley
won the most games, was the team's strike-out leader and one of the
three top strike-out leaders in the league. He was also one of the
three best pitchers in the city league. He pitched all five games in
the playoffs one year, winning four of the games. Because of the rules
governing state amateur baseball, no black team could play in the State
Tournament despite the fact that Wesley's team had defeated the State
Truckers for that right.
Wesley continued to be the dominate black pitcher for the Hornets
team, Red Devils and Flint Aces. Once when Wesley was pitted in a pitching
duel with Joe Kinzel ... which Wesley won in extra innings ... a scout
from the Brooklyn Dodgers organization witnessed the outstanding play
of the two teams and remarked, "No wonder baseball was such a
hit in this area. There was no need for a professional team here."
In later years, Wesley lost his eyesight. This led to his becoming
a member of the Federation of the Blind. Being the competitor that
he is, he started bowling and became one of the best blind bowlers
in the state. Among his many accom- plishments: In 1976-Michigan Blind
Bowlers Association Handicap Series - 687 (3 game total); selected
on State Championship Bowling Team three years; 1977, highest average
in league (207); 1978, high game (285) handicap, first place trophy,
Michigan Blind Bowlers Association; 1978-79, most strikes in a row
M.B.B.A.; and in 1986 American Blind Bowlers Association National Championship
Tournament (420 actual).
His influence has transcended personal gain for the benefit of others.
For 1986 Inductees Only: Back | Forward
<< Hall of Fame Home
|
fpl.info