Black Aces
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- "Black Aces" may also refer to the fighter squadron VFA-41 Black Aces
The Black Aces is a book written by former Major League pitcher James "Mudcat" Grant about the only African American pitchers who have won at least 20 Major League Baseball games in a single season.[1] Some black pitchers from Latin America, notably Luis Tiant, have expressed disappointment that they are not included in this group. [2] Also, some consider the group an example of reverse racism, as there is no similar White Aces organization.[3]
Interestingly, Ferguson Jenkins is included in this group, but is not African American. Jenkins, a Black Canadian has lived in the U.S. for decades, but has never taken out U.S. citizenship.
[edit] Pitchers described by Mudcat Grant as Black Aces
- Vida Blue - three 20-win seasons: 1971 (24-8), 1973 (20-9), and 1975 (22-11)
- Al Downing - one 20-win season: 1971 (20-9)
- Bob Gibson - five 20-win seasons: 1965 (20-12), 1966 (21-12), 1968 (22-9), 1969 (20-13), 1970 (23-7)
- Dwight Gooden - one 20-win season: 1985 (24-4)
- Mudcat Grant - one 20-win season: 1965 (21-7)
- Ferguson Jenkins - seven 20-win seasons: 1967 (20-13), 1968 (20-15), 1969 (21-15), 1970 (22-16), 1971 (24-13), 1972 (20-12), 1974 (25-12)
- Sam Jones (deceased) - one 20-win season: 1959 (21-15)
- Don Newcombe - three 20-win seasons: 1951 (20-9), 1955 (20-5), 1956 (27-7)
- Mike Norris - one 20-win season: 1980 (22-9)
- J.R. Richard - one 20-win season: 1976 (20-15)
- Dave Stewart - four 20-win seasons: 1987 (20-13), 1988 (21-12), 1989 (21-9), 1990 (22-11)
- Earl Wilson (deceased) - one 20-win season: 1967 (22-11)
- Dontrelle Willis - one 20-win season: 2005 (22-10)
On September 8, 2005, Willis became the 13th member of the Black Aces by winning his 20th game against the Washington Nationals. As of 2005, Willis is the only member of the Black Aces who is still an active player in the Major Leagues.
[edit] References
- ^ The Official Site of Major League Baseball: News: Major League Baseball News
- ^ [1]
- ^ http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9503EFDC1E3DF935A35757C0A961958260
