Buck Leonard
Baseball · Hometown: Rocky Mount, NC
- Pro team(s)
- Brooklyn Royal Giants, Homestead Grays
- Hall of Fame
- ⭐ National Baseball Hall of Fame
Walter Fenner "Buck" Leonard was born on September 8, 1907, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and became one of the greatest first basemen in the history of black baseball. Nicknamed "The Black Lou Gehrig," Leonard anchored the Homestead Grays lineup for 17 seasons (1934–1950), forming one of the most feared offensive partnerships in any league with center fielder Josh Gibson — the pair leading the Grays to nine consecutive Negro National League pennants (1937–1945) and three Negro World Series championships. Leonard was a superb left-handed hitter with exceptional power, a graceful fielder, and a professional presence that made him one of the most respected players in the Negro Leagues. By the time integration opened the major leagues to Black players, Leonard was already 40 years old; he turned down offers from the Cleveland Indians and St. Louis Browns, telling Bill Veeck, "I was too old — I didn't want to embarrass anyone." He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972. Born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.