James (Jim) Harding LaMarque, born on July 29, 1921 in Potosi, Missouri; was a lefthanded starter for the Kansas City Monarchs from 1941 – 1951. During most of his years with the Monarchs, LaMarque shared the mound with Hall of Fame pitchers Satchel Paige and Hilton Smith; along with Connie Johnson who went on to pitch in the Major Leagues for five years. He pitched in their shadows and his accomplishments are overlooked.
He won 15
games in 1948 and was selected to pitch in the Negro League East – West All Star
Game that year and also the next, 1949. LaMarque
pitched four innings giving up three hits and striking out one in his two All
Star Game appearances.
After
playing in the Mexican League in 1950, LaMarque returned to the Monarchs in
1951. He finished his career playing amateur
baseball after leaving the Monarchs.LaMarque died January 15, 2000 in the city where he played his entire Negro League career, Kansas City.