Leon Day

Leon Day was one of the greatest pitchers from any Era or any race. He was a complete athlete. Playing the outfield or infield on days he didn't pitch. There were numerous players from the league that played numerous positions including pitcher. Leon was near the top in this regard. He hit well over .300 and was the top right handed pitcher of his era.

Personally… Leon was a man of few words. He watched and waited and learned and then he would come out with his brilliant dry humor. He was a kind man, and he was well respected.

For a couple of years, I would go to his home in Baltimore to visit, and wait for a call from Monte Irvin who was on the veterans committee for the Hall of Fame. The committee recommended players from the league who deserved enshrinement into the Hall. Year after year, Monte would call and give us the bad news, but would stay hopeful for the following year. After this call I would say to Leon that they were waiting for him to die first. He told me that he's going to piss them off and stay alive until he's voted in.

To his word, in 1995 I was out in Mesa, Arizona with my friend Ferguson Jenkins and we heard that Leon was voted in to the HOF. Unfortunately, Leon was dying in the hospital. Fergie and I called him there and congratulated him. That was the last time I spoke to Leon as he passed away 5 days later. He called the shot. Great person and great ballplayer.