Claybrook Tigers

The Claybrook Tigers were a semi-professional negro team based in Claybrook, Arkansas from 1929-1937. They were considered the negro "Champions of the south" . The team was owned by John Claybrook, a wealthy African-American logger and sawmill operator.

The team was formed in 1929 by Claybrook. He spent a total of $4,000 to buy the team and build their stadium, Claybrook Park.

The team played games in Claybrook and in Memphis, TN at Russwood Park. Their rival team was the Memphis Red Sox, but they also played teams such as the Kansas City Monarchs, Birmingham Black Barons, Cincinnati Tigers, Pittsburgh Crawfords, Chicago American Giants and the Cuban Stars. The Claybrook team once swept a double header against the Cuban All-Stars.

Some notable players who played with Claybrook are Theolic “Fireball” Smith, Dan Wilson, Walter Calhoun, John “The Brute” Lyles, Logan “Eggie” Hensley, Alfred “Greyhound” Saylor, Roosevelt “Bill” Tate, W. H. “Big Train” Summerall, Willie Jefferson and Ted Radcliffe. "Double Duty" Radcliffe pitched and managed the team in 1936.

Many of the players probably also worked on Claybrook's farm while playing for him.

The team disbanded at the end of the 1937 season.