Malvin Powell

Malvin Emerson Powell
(Put)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 5", Weight 150 lb.

• Debut 1929
• Final Game 1937
• Born September 6, 1907 in Edwards, MS USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Melvin Powell played 13 years with the Chicago American Giants, with a 22-11 record; over half of his wins came in one year, though. Powell debuted in 1930, going 2-1. After a year with Dave Malarcher's minor Columbia Giants, he returned to Chicago along with Malarcher. Powell went 14-7, tying teammate Wee Willie Powell for second in the Negro Southern League in wins, behind another teammate, Bill Foster. He fanned 23, third in the NSL, and his 1.99 RA was lowest in the loop. He beat Pullman Porter in a post-season game.

Melvin was 3-0 in 1933. In 1934, Putt was 0-1 but he made the 1934 East-West Game and appeared as a pinch-runner. Powell went 2-2 in 1935, 1-0 the next year and did not register a decision in 1937 and would not get a decision for Chicago in league competition again despite remaining with them through 1943.

Despite his size, Powell hit with power and played the outfield and first base on occasion.

After retiring, he owned a restaurant in Chicago, IL. There is some spelling uncertainty around the spelling of his name: his nickname also listed as Putt, and Black Baseball's National Showcase identifies him as Malvin.

Notable Achievements

• NNL All-Star (1934)
• NSL Shutouts Leader (1932)

Sources:

• The Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Baseball Leagues by James Riley
• The Complete Book of Baseball's Negro Leagues by John Holway
• Black Baseball's National Showcase by Larry Lester