RELATED LINKS Photos » Photo: 1946 Monarchs from Black Baseball in Kansas City

An outstanding all-around athlete, Strong played baseball in the Negro Leagues and basketball for the Harlem Globetrotters. He appeared in five East-West all-star games at three different positions - first base, outfield, and shortstop. The switch-hitter helped the Kansas City Monarchs to four consecutive pennants (1939-42). After Jackie Robinson broke the color line, Strong played several seasons in the Texas League. On the basketball court, his unusually large hands made it easy for him to palm the ball and, consequently, play "pitcher" in the Globetrotters' baseball routines. (BP)