Harris, Wilmer

WILMER HARRIS

Born: March 1, 1924, Phila. PA
Died: December 23, 2004, Phila. PA

Born in Philadelphia, he attended Central High School for Boys, graduating in 1941. He was captain of the school's baseball and basketball teams, and also played for the Passon Stars in the Fairmount Park League, which won four straight championships.

He joined the Philadelphia Stars in 1945 and played his first game against Satchel Paige and the Kansas City Monarchs before 40,000 fans at Yankee Stadium. Later that year, he struck out a rookie named Jackie Robinson, who was pinch-hitting for the Monarchs.

In 1946, pitching against the Newark (N.J.) Eagles, Harris struck out in order, with the bases loaded, three of the Negro League's greatest hitters - Larry Doby, Monte Pearson and Monte Irvin - at Connie Mack Stadium.

In 1947, after the Major League season was over, he played for the Jackie Robinson All-Stars, composed of Robinson and other stars of the Negro League. He ended his career with the Stars in 1952, with a career total of 120 wins and 45 losses. He also played winter baseball in the late '40s and early '50s in Panama, Venezuela and Santo Domingo.