Willie Duke

Willie Eleanor Duke

• Bats Left, Throws Right
• Height 5' 10", Weight 185 lb.
• School North Carolina State University

• Born July 5, 1909 in Franklinton, NC USA
• Died January 31, 1993 in Raleigh, NC USA

BR minors page

Biographical Information

Outfielder Willie Duke began his pro career relatively late, just before his 25th birthday in 1934. He played from 1934 to 1950, missing the 1943-1945 seasons due to military service. Duke led the 1937 Southern Association with 19 HR, the 1946 Tobacco State League with a .393 average, and the 1947 Carolina League with 42 doubles. For his career, Duke played 1,753 games, hitting .331 with 2,053 hits, 435 2B, 184 HR, and 103 SB.

Duke was a player/manager from 1946 to 1949.

Year-by-Year Managerial Record

Year	Team	League	Record	Finish	Organization	Playoffs
1946	Clinton Blues	Tobacco State League		--	none	--	replaced by Van Lingle Mungo
1947	Durham Bulls	Carolina League	70-71	4th	none	Lost League Finals
1948	Durham Bulls	Carolina League	63-79	6th	Detroit Tigers
1949	Winston-Salem Cardinals	Carolina League		--	St. Louis Cardinals	--	replaced by George Ferrell June 11