Jack Matchett

Clarence Jack Matchett

• Bats Left, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 193 lb.

• Debut 1940
• Final Game 1945
• Born February 4, 1908 in Palestine, TX USA
• Died March 19, 1979 in Los Angeles, CA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Jack Matchett pitched for six seasons in the Negro Leagues. He debuted in 1940, going 5-0 for the Kansas City Monarchs. His 1.32 RA led the Negro American League, .57 ahead of Gene Bremer. He tied Floyd Kranson and Bremer for third in wins.

In 1941, Jack saw limited action with Hilton Smith and Satchel Paige dominating the KC staff and other fine hurlers like Chet Brewer and Connie Johnson available. He was 6-1 (or 6-2 or 8-2) in 1942. His 1.56 RA led the NAL once again, .2 ahead of Booker McDaniel and .39 ahead of #3 Paige.

Matchett was the Monarchs' ace in the 1942 Negro World Series. In Game One, he entered the game in the sixth inning and retired all 12 Homestead Grays he faced, relieving Satchel Paige and gaining the win. Relieving Paige in Game Three, he gave up 1 run in 7 innings to rescue Kansas City from a 2-0 deficit, again getting the win. As an emergency starter, he surrendered five runs (one earned) in 3 2/3 in Game Four; this time, Paige came in to relieve and shut down the Grays. Matchett was 2-0 with a 1.23 ERA in the Series, which Kansas City won in four games. Had there been a MVP award given out, Matchett would have been a serious candidate.

It was Matchett's last great year. He fell to 2-4 in 1943, 5-3 in 1944 and 1-2 in 1945. Despite twice being arguably his league's best pitcher, he never played in an East-West Game.

Notable Achievements

• NAL Wins Leader (1940)
• Won one Negro World Series with the Kansas City Monarchs in 1942

Sources

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

Related Sites

• Jack Matchett at the SABR Bio Project
• BR Minors page