The Negro leagues' outstanding strikeout pitcher with a dominating fastball and wicked curve, quiet Leon Day was the mainstay of the Newark pitching staff in the late 1930s and 1940s. Also a superb contact hitter and speedy baserunner, Day was versatile enough to play second base or the outfield when he wasn't pitching. He spent two years pitching on integrated Army teams during World War II, and in his first game back with the Eagles in 1946, tossed a no-hitter against the Philadelphia Stars.


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"I would say he was the most complete ballplayer I've ever seen. I've never seen a better athlete, never seen a better baseball player all-around."
— Monte Irvin

Did You Know... that on July 23, 1942, Newark Eagles pitcher Leon Day struck out 18 Baltimore Elite Giants to set a Negro National League record?

Hall of Fame Teammate: Ray Dandridge

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