Ben Taylor
1888-1953
Elected to Hall of Fame in 2006
One of the early stars of the game, this smooth-fielding, sharp-hitting member of the famous Taylor family was the best first baseman in black baseball prior to the arrival of Buck Leonard.
After a stint with the 1914 Chicago American Giants, Ben gained his greatest fame from 1915-22 while playing with the Indianapolis ABCs, managed by his brother, C. I. Taylor. A left-hander both in the field and at the plate, Ben was a stand-out on the championship 1916 team. He hit with authority and was one of the most productive players offensively, ending his career in black baseball with a lifetime .333 average.
Defensively, he was good on ground balls and could make all the plays at first, making the other infielders look good by digging out low throws and making difficult plays with such ease that they appeared routine.
Always a heads-up players, Ben was an ideal man to have on a ball club. During his career he was also a manager and excellent teacher of young players. It was from him that Buck Leonard learned to polish and refine his skills as a first baseman.
Highly regarded by his peers, smooth in the field and with no weakness at the plate, Ben Taylor is well deserving of his niche among the greats in black baseball history.
Years Played:
1910-1940
Positions Played:
1b, p, manager, umpire
Teams:
West Baden Sprudels, St. Louis Giants
Chicago American Giants, Indianapolis ABCs
Hilldale Daisies, New York Bacharach Giants
Washington Potomacs, Harrisburg Giants
Baltimore Black Sox, Antlantic City Bacharach Giants
Washington Pilots, Brooklyn Eagles, Washington Black Senators
New York Cubans
Comparable Players:
Frank Chance
