Jesse Rogers

Jesse James Rogers Jr.

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 3", Weight 200 lb.

• Born February 16, 1934 in Kansas City, MO USA
• Died March 30, 2013

Minors BR page

Biographical Information

Outfielder Jesse Rogers debuted with the Kansas City Monarchs. He made his integrated ball debut with the 1953 Oshkosh Giants and hit .276/~.384/.443 with 15 homers and 77 RBI, tying him for seventh in the Wisconsin State League in HR. In 1954, he was moved up to the St. Cloud Rox and smacked the ball to the tune of a .307 average, 23 homers and 92 RBI. He was fourth in the Northern League in home runs, trailing Frank Gravino, Dave Roberts and Willie Kirkland. He hit .206 for the 1955 Sioux City Soos and .299 for the Johnstown Johnnies. In '56, Rogers is not listed on any team in the Doyle database. In 1957, he struggled in limited time with the Reading Indians (.127/~.154/.159 in 17 games). Getting back on track in 1958, Jesse hit .281 with 24 HR and 82 RBI for the Pueblo Dodgers, finishing sixth in the Western League in home runs. In '59, Rogers hit .265 with 18 HR for the Lancaster Red Roses and got his only crack at AAA, posting a .265 mark for the Fort Worth Cats with one homer. He finished his playing career with the 1960 San Antonio Missions, belting 23 homers, driving in 90 and batting .285. He was fifth in the Texas League in both HR and RBI that year.

Personal Remembrance

Jesse Rodgers (or "Rogers" ?) was a center fielder on the 1953 Class D Oshkosh Giants of the Wisconsin State League. I was a pitcher on the same team. Jesse was a tall African-American player (about 6'3"), who was an excellent defensive outfielder. I remember him as being perhaps an average to good (at times) hitter. He could hit with power at times. Interestingly, he always seemed to play games chewing on a toothpick. I believe he was from Kansas City. Jesse was a good teammate and easy to get along with. He had an easy-going sense of humor. I think Jesse was about 19 years old when he played in Oshkosh. We were all part of the New York Giants Minor League Operations. The next year, 1954, Jesse moved up to the Class C St. Cloud Rox of the Northern League. I also pitched for that team that year. Jesse was our centerfielder again, and Willie Kirkland played right field. Kirkland went on to a major league career. Our manager was Charlie Fox, who also eventually moved on to manage and coach in the major leagues, particularly with the San Francisco Giants. I believe Jesse continued playing pro baseball after St. Cloud, but I don't know what teams he played for.

--Submitted by Bill O'Donnell