RHP-MGR Negro Leagues 1920-41 Detroit Stars, Chicago American Giants, New York Lincoln Giants, Brooklyn Royal Giants, New York Black Yankees , Philadelphia Stars
Holland was the mainstay of the New York Black Yankees' pitching staff in the 1930s.
Of his 22 years in baseball, 18 were spent in New York. He was the first black pitcher
to pitch in Yankee Stadium when he beat the Baltimore Elite Giants before a crowd
of 15,000 in 1930.
The 5'8" 175-lb Holland joined his first pro team, the Detroit
Stars, in 1920. In 1922 he led the league with 16 wins. Hall of Famer Cool Papa Bell
ranked Holland with Satchel Paige, Smokey Joe Williams, and Bullet Joe Rogan as the
best pitchers in the Negro Leagues. Though he relied mainly on the fastball, he also
expertly mixed in a curve, a drop, a changeup, and an occasional emery ball.
(PG)