Lester Lockett

Ahhh Lester Lockett. Just saying his name makes me smile.

Lester was a third baseman who played for numerous teams. The Baltimore Elite Giants, the Birmingham Black Barons, and the Chicago American Giants. In 1943 he hit .408 and was the batting champion. He was an all-star numerous times and he once had a hitting streak of 12 hits in 12 straight at bats.

On a personal note, I don't think I've ever met a more joyous person than Lester. He was my traveling companion. I used to get him a bus or train ticket from his home at the YMCA in Chicago, and have him meet me in different cities . I would pick up Lester and we would go to the Player's home. Bringing Lester was great not only as company for me but being that players respected Lester made it easier for them to accept me. Lester and I would meet in St. Louis to see Cool Papa Bell and Quincy Trouppe. Listening to these historic men speak about their historic times, I knew at that moment that another historic time was being created for me. I felt like I was there as their stories of incidents and descriptions of the players and events were so vivid that I felt like I was there. Just WOW.

Lester would be my right hand man and was such a great positive force for me in helping me connect with the players, and just being my friend. He was such a cute man who had the most endearing smile and personality. Proud to say I loved that man.