King Tut

Note: Richard King redirects here; for others named Richard King, click here.

Richard Elmer King

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 9", Weight 140 lb.

• Debut 1943
• Final Game 1948
• Born September 15, 1904 in Jacksonville, FL USA
• Died December 29, 1966 in Philadelphia, PA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

King Tut, also known by his birth name Richard King, was known mostly as an entertainer for the various "Clowns" teams in black baseball. A tall, thin man, he teamed with dwarf Spec Bebop on many comic routines, most famously the rowing-the-boat routine. Dressing in fancy outfits, King Tut's persona was one of a "pompous hick." He entertained at many East-West Games as well and was known for the oversized mitt he carried. He also appeared occasionally as a player in league games - he was a first baseman - for the Cincinnati-Indianapolis Clowns, when he was in his late 30's and early 40's.

Sources

• The Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Baseball Leagues by James Riley
• Black Baseball's National Showcase by Larry Lester
• Invisible Men by Donn Rogosin

Related Sites

• Baseball History Daily story on King Tut