Harry Kincannon

From BR Bullpen

Harry Kincannon
(Tin Can)

  • Bats Right, Throws Right
  • Height 5' 11", Weight 172 lb.

BR page

Biographical Information[edit]

Harry Kincannon pitched for a decade in the Negro Leagues, making one East-West Game. He was known for his sharp curveball.

Kincannon joined the Pittsburgh Crawfords in 1930 and went 4-4 for them in 1932; as Cum Posey overhauled the club as it rose to prominence, Harry was one of three original members to survive.

In 1933, "Tin Can" again was 4-4. He went 3-0 in 1934 and relieved Slim Jones in the 1934 East-West Game. After allowing 4 hits but no runs in two innings, he was yanked in favor of Satchel Paige, who completed the 1-0 shutout victory for the East. In a 1935 playoff against the New York Cubans, Kincannon got the call in game one and lost.

At age 26/27, Harry went 1-2 for the 1936 Crawfords. He faced a white MLB All-Star team that October in Mexico City; against Heinie Manush, Jimmie Foxx, Rogers Hornsby, Doc Cramer, Pinky Higgins, Red Kress, Eric McNair and Luke Sewell, Kincannon was on the losing end of a 11-1 decision against Ted Lyons. Pittsburgh traded him to the New York Black Yankees and he went 1-2 for them in 1937, then he briefly joined the Homestead Grays.

In 1938, the curveball artist was 1-1 for the Washington Black Senators, followed by a 1-0 season for the Crawfords, now based in Toledo for a career record of 15-13.

Kincannon was known for being a "dandy" and his fine dancing. He used to carry a pistol around and once threatened to shoot any teammates who touched his food. When he fell asleep, the other players emptied the gun, ate his chicken and made a necklace out of the chicken bones to drape around his neck. Harry laughed about the prank.

Notable Achievements[edit]

  • NNL All-Star (1934)
  • NNL Saves Leader (1933)

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Related Sites[edit]