Bob Motley

Robert Carter Motley

• Born March 11, 1923 in Autaugaville, AL USA
• Died September 14, 2017

Biographical Information

Bob Motley was the last surviving Negro League umpire, working from 1947 to 1958. He was also the Pacific Coast League's second black umpire, following Emmett Ashford.

His book, Ruling Over Monarchs, Giants, and Stars: True Tales of Breaking Barriers, Umpiring Baseball Legends, and Wild Adventures in the Negro Leagues, was co-written by author Larry Lester.

He served in World War II, taking a bullet to the foot at Okinawa to earn a Purple Heart.

Related Sites

• “No, I’m a Spectator Like You”: Umpiring in the Negro American League
• Bob Motley, Last Surviving Negro League Ump, Recalls Baseball History
• Bob Motley called game with grace
• Passing of a legend: pioneering umpire Bob Motley dies at 94