C-SS-3B-MGR Negro Leagues 1918-47 San Antonio Giants, Darby Daisies, Indianapolis ABC's, Hilldale, Baltimore Elite Giants, Philadelphia Stars, Washington Elite Giants, Nashville Giants, Newark Eagles
Considered by many the greatest catcher in Negro League history, Mackey was a master
practitioner behind the plate. He possessed a powerful arm, and used the current
standard "snap throw." He was strong enough to throw to second base from a sitting
position, which he customarily did in between-inning warm-ups. He was a switch-hitter
who batted for power and a high average.
Homestead Grays manager Cum Posey rated
Mackey as his number-one all-time catcher: "Mackey was a tremendous hitter, a fierce
competitor; although slow afoot he is the standout among catchers who have shown
their wares in this nation." Roy Campanella was a 15-year-old with the Baltimore
Elite Giants when Mackey taught him the fine points of catching. Campanella said,
"I gathered quite a bit from Mackey, watching how he shifted his feet for an outside
pitch, how he threw with a short, quick accurate throw without drawing back.
After
two seasons with the San Antonio Giants, Mackey joined the Indianapolis ABC's and
hit .352 in 1922 before being traded to the Hilldale team. He led Hilldale to their
first title in 1923, batting .364. The next year he hit .325, helping Hilldale earn
an invitation to the first Black World Series, against the Kansas City Monarchs.
From 1922 through 1931, Mackey compiled a .327 average, with a high of .365 in 1930.
In the first East-West all-star game, he was chosen over Hall of Fame teammates Josh
Gibson and Oscar Charleston to bat cleanup.
Mackey's cherubic face and jolly nature
never failed to delight fans and teammates. He completed his brilliant career as
player-manager for the Newark Eagles. There he prepared Larry Doby, Don Newcombe,
and Monte Irvin for the major leagues. Irvin called Mackey "the dean of teachers."
(LL)
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