Darltie Cooper

Darlton D. Cooper
(Dolly, Daltie)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 10", Weight 185 lb.

• Debut 1923
• Final Game 1940
• Born: August 2, 1902 in Arkadelphia, AR USA
• Died: February 13, 1944 in Schenectady, NY USA

BR page

Biographical Information

The brother of Anthony Cooper, Darltie Cooper spent his first two years with the then-minor Nashville Elite Giants. In 1923, he moved up to the Indianapolis ABCs as part of a young pitching staff. Cooper went 14-4 with one save and a 4.15 ERA, placing him fifth in the Negro National League in wins. Playing first base and the outfield in addition, Cooper hit only .200/.244/.292.

Cooper went to the Harrisburg Giants in 1924 and went 12-9 as their ace, then was 7-5 the next year. He was 1-0 for the 1926 Atlantic City Bacharach Giants then won 18 and lost 11 for Harrisburg in 1927. That year, he tied for second in the Eastern Colored League in victories and was third with a 3.56 RA.

Moving to the Hilldale Club in 1928, Darltie went 8-3 and led the ECL in winning percentage. He had begun his career with a fine 42-23 record, but would decline after that. In 1929, Cooper was 9-11 for Hilldale.

Cooper was 3-1 for the 1931 Baltimore Black Sox and was 0-1 for Hilldale a year later. He was 1-4 for Atlantic City in 1934 and was suspended once for throwing dirt in the face of an umpire. Cooper briefly resurfaced with the 1940 Newark Eagles, losing one decision to finish his career at 55-41. He filed a lawsuit against the Eagles for unemployment compensation due to a broken foot and won the legal battle against Effa Manley.

Notable Achievements

• ECL ERA Leader (1927)
• ECL Wins Leader (1927)
• ECL Complete Games Leader (1927)
• 15 Wins Seasons: 1 (1927)

Sources:

• The Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Baseball Leagues by James Riley
• The Complete Book of Baseball's Negro Leagues by John Holway
• 1923 Negro National League Yearbook, by Peter Ventura and Patrick Rock, Replay Publishing