The Negro League baseball history fact for today

Playing Negro League baseball was not the highlight of James “Big Train” Dudley’s life.  Born May 12, 1910 in Baltimore, Maryland; Dudley played for his hometown Baltimore Elite Giants in the late 1930’s and 1940’s.  As the third string catcher behind future Major League star and Hall of Fame teammate Roy Campanella, and the Elites’ other fine backstop Eggie Clarke; Dudley did not get much playing time in his years with the team.  He never started a game in front of his hometown fans.  After baseball he was involved in pro wrestling beginning in the 1950’s.  As an executive with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), Dudley became the first African American to manage a major arena in the United States; Washington D. C.’s Turner Arena.  He was also the manager and promoter for Bobo Brazil, running into the ring to excite the crowd upon Brazil’s entrance.  In 1994, Dudley was inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame.