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Sammy T. Hughes
(1910-1981)

Standing 6'2 1/2", Sammy T. Hughes was the best second baseman in black baseball during the 1930s and early 1940s. An outstanding fielder with a wide range and a strong arm who excelled on the double play, the agile keystoner could do it all. A well-rounded ballplayer, he had no weakness. In addition to his picture-perfect work afield, he was also a good base-runner and a solid hitter. A thinking man's player, Sammy T. was a consistent contact hitter who excelled on the hit-and-run play and made an excellent number-two batter in the line-up. A tough competitor, the tall rangy right-hander hit with good but no consistent power, recording a batting average of .353 in exhibitions against major leaguers.
During his 16-year career, Sammy was selected to the East-West All-Star team more than any other second baseman. The flashy fielder compiled a respectable .263 batting average during the five years that he faced All-Star pitching. Representing the Elite Giants when they were in Nashville, Columbus, Washington and Baltimore, he was on the West squad twice (1934, 1935) and on the East squad three times (1936, 1938, 1939).

After service in World War II, the super second-sacker played only a short time, winding up his career in the Negro Leagues in 1946 with a batting average of .277.

Years Played:
1931-1946

Positions Played:
2b, ss, 1b

Teams:
Louisville White Sox, Washington Pilots
Nashville Elite Giants, Columbus Elite Giants
Washington Elite Giants, Baltimore Elite Giants

Comparable Players:
Billy Herman, Red Schoendienst

Jerseys