Ray Brown (Negro leagues pitcher)

Ray Brown (1908-1965) was an American right-handed pitcher who starred in the Negro leagues between 1930 and 1947. Known for his exceptional fastball and curveball, Brown was considered one of the dominant pitchers of his era.

Born in Alger, Ohio, Brown began his professional career with the Cleveland Hornets in 1930. He quickly gained recognition, and in 1932 joined the Detroit Stars. Brown then played for the Homestead Grays from 1933 to 1945, forming a formidable pitching duo with Smokey Joe Williams. During his tenure with the Grays, Brown was a key component of their dynasty, helping them win nine consecutive Negro National League pennants from 1937 to 1945.

Brown was renowned for his control and stamina, regularly pitching complete games. He also possessed a reputation for being a fierce competitor. He often pitched in multiple All-Star games, demonstrating his consistent high level of performance.

After his career with the Homestead Grays, Brown played for the Baltimore Elite Giants in 1946 and 1947. He retired from professional baseball in 1947.

Although denied the opportunity to play in Major League Baseball due to the color barrier, Ray Brown is recognized as one of the greatest pitchers in Negro leagues history. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006. His career statistics are difficult to verify completely due to incomplete record-keeping during the Negro Leagues era, but his impact and legacy are undeniable.