Jack Marshall (marshja03)

William James Marshall
(Boisy)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 9", Weight 172 lb.
• School Wilberforce University
• Debut 1926
• Final Game 1944
• Born August 8, 1908 in Montgomery, AL USA
• Died August 31, 1990 in Chicago, IL USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Known as a very good defensive second baseman, Jack Marshall played every position except for pitcher and possibly a couple outfield spots during a 19-year career in the Negro Leagues. He played for the Dayton Marcos in 1926 and 1927 then spent time with a couple minor travelling teams. In 1929, he helped together a band, minstrel show and baseball team that toured Canada. In 1931, Jack joined the Chicago American Giants. When the club won the Negro Southern League title in '32, Marshall hit .193 as the second baseman. In 1933, Jack batted .280 for the American Giants. He was picked for the West roster in the first East-West Game but did not play.

In '34, the 26-year-old infielder hit .257 and formed a fine double play combination with Willie Wells. The next season, Jack saw a reduced role, then he joined the Philadelphia Stars as a backup. In 1936, Jack was on the winning tam in the Denver Post Tournament. Back as a regular with Chicago in '37, he hit .239.

Marshall was listed on the roster of an Atlanta, GA-based team in '38, but spent the year with a white semipro team in Elgin, IL and briefly played for the Kansas City Monarchs. He moved to a touring independent club, the Palmer House All-Stars, and returned briefly to the top black leagues in '44 with the Cincinnati-Indianapolis Clowns.

After retiring from baseball, Jack became an excellent bowler and ran a bowling alley for a while, employing another former Negro Leaguer, Ted Page.

Notable Achievements

• NNL All-Star (1933)

Sources:

• The Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Baseball Leagues by James Riley
• The Complete Book of Baseball's Negro Leagues by John Holway