Walter Fenner "Buck" Leonard was an American first baseman and legendary hitter in Negro league baseball, playing for the Homestead Grays in the 1930's and 1940's. He was inducted into the Hall in 1971. Buck Leonard signed this ball while attending a Howard University baseball game at the Carter Barron in 1974, as the guest of his friend, HU baseball coach, Chuck Hinton. Hinton played eleven years in the major league for the Washington Senators, California Angels and the Cleveland Indians before coaching at Howard University.
Leonard received his high school diploma at the age of 52, as his hometown high school didn't allowed education for African-Americans. He was an advocate outlet for civil rights, and an ambassador for Negro League baseball until his death in 1997 at age 90. The ball was part of a collection of Ron Harris, Howard U. Baseball coach and sports writer.
Product code: Buck Leonard Signed outlet Ball Negro League Hall of Fame