In
his sixteen year baseball career (1921 – 1937) Paul “Country Jake” Stephens;
born February 10, 1900 in Pleasureville, Pennsylvania, played with some of the
best teams in the Negro League baseball era. The 5’7”, 150 pound light-hitting
shortstop had quickness, range, and a strong throwing arm. Although not considered one of the best
all-around shortstops, he had the opportunity to be teammates with many Hall of
Fame players. Because of his outgoing, always
joking attitude; he got the nickname “Country Jake”.
Stephens
first played with the Hilldale Daisies of Darby, Pennsylvania from 1921 –
1929. His teammates included third
baseman Judy Johnson, catcher and infielder Biz Mackey, and catcher Louis Santop;
all now in baseball’s Hall of Fame. The
1925 Daisies were Negro League World Series Champions.
From
1929 – 1932, he wore the uniform of the Homestead Grays. Hall of Fame players “Smokey” Joe Williams,
Oscar Charleston, Josh Gibson, and Jud Wilson spent time with the Grays during
those years. Wilson became Stephen’s
best friend. The 1931 team is considered
by many one of the best in Negro League baseball history.
Stephens
along with his Hall of Fame Grays’ teammates were signed by Pittsburgh Crawford’s
owner Gus Greenlee in 1932. Stephen’s
former Hilldale teammate Judy Johnson and Hall of Fame pitcher Satchel Paige
were also on the Crawford’s that year making it one of the best Negro League
teams assembled.
With
his friend Jud Wilson and former Hilldale teammate Biz Mackey, Stephens played
with the Philadelphia Stars in 1933 – 1935.
The 1934 team won the Negro National League championship.
Negro
League baseball fans in the 1930s appreciated the talent displayed by Jake
Stephens on the baseball field. They voted him as the starting shortstop for
the East squad in the 1935 East-West All-Star Game, the annual national
showcase for Negro League baseball.
To read more about the Negro League baseball era Last Train To Cooperstown
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