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Oliver Marcelle
(1897 - 1949)

A superior defensive third baseman, Oliver Marcelle was the most skilled third baseman in black baseball in the 1920s. A rare gem afield, he could do everything. Whether making spectacular plays to his left or to his right, or fielding bunts like a master, he delighted the fans who, in turn, idolized him.

Teaming with Dick Lundy on the Bacharach Giants to form an almost impregnable left side of the infield, he was an integral part of the team's success in the pennant years of 1926-27. In the 1926 World Series against the Chicago American Giants, he hit a solid .293 in a losing effort.
Moving with Lundy to the Baltimore Black Sox after the Eastern Colored League's breakup, he still had enough hits left in his bat to hit a respectable .288 in 1929. A good hitter, he was most dangerous in the clutch, registering a .335 lifetime average in Negro League competition. During eight winter seasons in Cuba, "Ghost" had a .305 average, including a league-leading .371 in 1923-24. He also hit .333 in exhibitions against major leaguers.

Marcelle's quick and fiery temper frequently caused him trouble with umpires, opponents and teammates. Indirectly, it led to his withdrawal from league play.

The New Orleans native died in 1949 in Denver, leaving behind a legacy of greatness over a 13-year career in black baseball.

Years Played:
1918 - 1934

Positions Played:
3b, ss

Teams:
Brooklyn Royal Giants, Detroit Stars,
Atlantic City Bacharach Giants,
New York Lincoln Giants,
Baltimore Black Sox

Jerseys