Negro Leagues Game of the Day on This Date in 1928 (June 15th)

Friday, June 15th – In the final game of the series, the Birmingham Black Barons play the Cleveland Tigers at Luna Park. Birmingham has taken 3 of 4 from the ‘new look’ Tigers.

Here are the starting lineups:

Birmingham Black Barons (17-17)

1. Geechie Meredith, RF
2. Charles Wesley, 2B
3. George McAllister, 1B
4. Roy Parnell, CF
5. Chuffy Alexander, LF
6. Dewitt Owens, SS
7. Ray Sheppard, 3B
8. Bill Perkins, C
9. George Nash, P

Cleveland Tigers (5-23)

1. Tack Summers, LF
2. Saul Davis, 2B
3. Willie Bobo, 1B
4. Ernest Duff, CF
5. Orville Singer, RF
6. Harry Jeffries, 3B
7. Babe Melton, C
8. Pete Willett, SS
9. Tom Jackson, P

21-year old lefty George Nash, in his rookie year, pitches against right-hander Tom Jackson, who played sparingly with the St. Louis Stars in 1926 and 1927.

The teams trade runs back and forth, with Babe Melton hitting a 3-run homer that was said to be the longest hit of the season at Luna Park.

Cleveland’s Tom Jackson is knocked out of the box in the second inning, relieved by Goose Curry. Birmingham’s George Nash is relieved during the 6th inning by Robert Poindexter. Nelson Dean comes on for Cleveland and sets Birmingham down in order in the top of the 9th for the save in a 6-5 Cleveland victory.

NOTES: Both Chuffy Alexander and Ray Sheppard are 2 for 4, with a double, an RBI and a run scored. Pete Willett is the hitting star, going 4-4 with 2 doubles and a run scored. In long relief Goose Curry pitches 6 2/3 innings, gives up 2 runs, 6 hits, 0 walks, and strikes out 2 for the win.

Eastern Scores:
Atlantic City Bacharach Giants-5, Baltimore Black Sox-2 (Athletic Park – Wildwood, NJ)

Luna Park 1928