Please join us 10 am February 22nd at Black River Technical College RCDC Auditorium for a presentation by Dennis Biddle. This event is sponsored by BRTC Foundation SEAS (Special Events and Activities Support) and the Eddie Mae Herron Center.
Former professional Negro League player Dennis Biddle will share his story Learn about this former Chicago American Giants baseball player who entered the league at age seventeen.
Bio:
Full Name: Dennis Biddle
Birthdate: June 24, 1935
City/State: Magnolia, Arkansas
High School: Columbia County High School
Negro League Debut: 1953 and 1954
Position: Pitcher
Jersey Number: 33
Nickname: The Man That Beat The Man That Beat The Man
Dennis Biddle was born on June 24, 1935 in Magnolia, Arkansas. In high school, he lettered in four different sports; baseball, basketball, track and football. He graduated from high school at the age of 17 to pursue his dream to play in professional baseball for the Chicago American Giants as a pitcher. He made an immediate impact in 1953, winning his first 5 games, before finishing the season with an amazing record on 15-3. During the same year. Biddle beat Gerald (Lefty) McKinnis, one of the few pitchers to beat Satchel Paige. This earned him the nickname of The Man Who Beat The Man Who Beat The Man”. He pitched one more year in 1954 for the Chicago American Giants before being asked by the Chicago Cubs to try out for the team. Unfortunately, Dennis Biddle broke his leg on the very first day of training camp, sliding into third base. That ended his short, but great baseball career. Today, he lives in Milwaukee but travels the country, speaking at schools, colleges and military bases about the league’s history. The foundation offers up memorabilia such as autographed baseballs, posters, calendars and bats in exchange for donations, which are used to assist those in need.
The record for wins at the age of 17 in the major leagues is five, set by Bob Feller in 1936. In 1953, Dennis Biddle, pitching in the Negro Leagues, equaled that number, then turned 18 and won ten more, giving him 15 wins in his rookie season.
Entered into the Congressional Record as the youngest to play in the Negro Baseball League on September 18, 2002.
House of Representatives tribute to Negro League baseball players, February 14, 2002.
Inducted into the Wall of Honour ( Milwaukee Miller Park Stadium) June 2, 2006
Author: Secrets of the Negro Baseball Leagues: As Told By Dennis Biddle
History Makers Library of Congress honoree, 2016
