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MEET THE FORMER NEGRO LEAGUE PLAYERS
RUSSELL "CRAZY LEGS" PATTERSON
Russell grew up in the South in the 1940s and 50’ s where he experienced racial prejudices, especially in sports. He began his competitive baseball career in 1956 at 17 with the Savannah Bears. This semi-pro team was one of the best Black baseball teams in a 3-state region. From there, he went on to play for the Indianapolis Clowns, where he got his nickname “Crazy Legs." The team played a loose style of baseball, and Patterson added to the entertainment with his antics- Jumping around and dancing. After a stint in the Vietnam War, he returned to the U.S. in 1965 and joined the Paterson Black Sox in New Jersey until his retirement in 1978. He was awarded the most valuable pitching award in 1968. Patterson’s love for the game has continued in his later years as he shares his vast experience in coaching, motivational speaking, and teaching.
ALFONSA "AL" HOLT SR.
Alfonsa is a native of Birmingham, Alabama, and has lived on the Southside of Birmingham for over 79 years. He was educated in the Birmingham School System at the great AH Parker High School. Alfonsa was a 4 – sports athlete and excelled at all four sports, baseball, basketball, football, and track. At PH, he played with some great ballplayers, James Ivory, Lee May (Cincinnati Reds), Walter Stove, JL Streeter, and Jessie Bass (Black Barons). Alfonsa patterned his game after Jessie Miller, Art Wilson, and Tommie Samples (Uncle). He was employed by Stockom Valve and Fitting and played for their industrial baseball team. Al is married to his best friend Shelly, and they have five (5) boys and two (2) girls. If he could advise the current day athlete, he would encourage them to play one sport and perfect that endeavor. In 1963, Al got a chance to place with the Black Barons where he played outfield and third base. He currently serves as a deacon at his son, Dr. Al Moore’s Church – First Memorial Baptist Church. He enjoys laughing out-loud, relaxing, and watching wrestling and the Auburn Tigers.
CHARLES WHITE
Charles White was born in 1939 and grew up in Chattanooga. He played Little League with his brother Al for the McCallie Homes teams. As he advanced, he played on the first black team to participate at Engel Stadium versus local teams such as Tyner, Westside, and the Southside nines. Charles attended Howard High School (1960 graduate) and became the first 12 letterman in the history of the school. Charles participated in all four sports, three consecutive years, to earn that distinction. Towing the mound at an early age, he had the opportunity to play with the Chattanooga Stars from 1956-1960 and was coached by Clarence Dodd. During the years he played with the Stars, he pitched against the Indianapolis Clowns and the Satchel Paige All - Stars, as these traveling teams passed through Chattanooga. Most know of his son, Reggie White, who became the first All American from Howard High School.
JIMMY TATUM
James Tatum Jr. was born on May 26, 1942 in Chattanooga,TN. He lettered in Baseball and Football at Howard High School 1958-1960. James graduated from Morehouse College Atlanta, GA in 1964. James served in the U.S.Air Force from 1965-1968. James was a star player and Team Manager in Negro League Baseball from 1968-1982 with the Chattanooga Royals, Chattanooga Stars and the Chattanooga A’s. He led the league in home runs several years and finished with a career .325 batting average. He was also an Area Scout for the Kansas City Royals and the Cincinnati Reds. In 2024, James was one of the former Negro League Baseball players officially recognized and inducted into Major League Baseball in a ceremony at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, AL.
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DAVID CRUTCHER
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David Crutcher, a Chattanooga native and Riverside High School graduate, was a standout in both baseball and football. He continued his baseball career at Tennessee Tech University, where he also coached high school baseball and helped lead the team to league and district championships. Crutcher played 11 seasons with the Chattanooga Stars, mastering all nine positions on the field and competing in tournaments across the country. In June 2024, he was honored by Major League Baseball at Rickwood Field as one of 60 legends recognized for their contributions to Black baseball, alongside teammates James Tatum, Stan Swafford, and Charles White.
STAN SWAFFORD
Stanley Swafford was born on July 19, 1948, in Bakewell, Tennessee, and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Chattanooga, where he proudly represented the Tigers. A talented catcher, Stanley played four seasons with American Legion Post 95 in Soddy Daisy, where he once batted against future MLB pitcher Rick Honeycutt—earning a rare stolen base off him. He also played two seasons with the Bakewell Whizkids before joining the Chattanooga Stars in 1971 under the leadership of player-manager James Tatum. With the Stars, Stanley played 13 seasons and had the opportunity to travel and compete across the country, representing his hometown with pride and passion. In June 2024, he was honored by the MLB at Rickwood Field for his contribution to Black Baseball.
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