Ted “Double-Duty” Radcliffe
Where do I start describing the most interesting character I've ever met.
Duty, as he was called, was a kind hearted conman who loved women and loved baseball. Duty was a long time Pitcher and Catcher and spent many years managing numerous teams in his 35 year Negro League baseball career. He was also elected to the East-West All-Star teams, both as a pitcher and a catcher. Very unique set of talents.
I had many interactions with Duty and many stories to tell. Upon first meeting him, Duty knew that I liked to collect memorabilia and tried to sell me a pristine white baseball with numerous signatures on it, he said it was from the late 30s from the East-West All-Star game and he got all the signatures himself. I surveyed the ball, and saw a name that peaked my interest. The name read “BILL BRYD,” not “BILL BYRD” which of course is the correct spelling. I said to Duty, “Why did Bill Byrd misspell his name?” He said “What do ya mean?” I said “He spells it Byrd not Bryd.” Bottom line he was trying cheat me. He said “Give me that ball!” and proceeded to take it from me as I laughed and told him he’d have to do better than that.
Another time he called me and asked if I'd like to buy four Josh Gibson baseball cards that Duty said Josh signed in front of him. I said send them to me and we'll figure out a price. I received them with a pen signature of “Josh Gibson.” As I perused the cards, I noticed that the cards were from 1980. Josh passed away in 1947. I called Duty and told him I got the cards and asked him… “Duty you said Josh signed these cards in front of you?” He said “Yes he did.” I said “What did Josh do, die in 1947 and come back to life in 1980, sign the cards and die again?” I laughed as I had caught him again. He said “Hey Bird (which is what he called me following the ball incident), send back those cards.” I said of course.
From then on Duty and I were the best of friends, laughing every time we saw each other. I could write a book about my experiences with Duty. He loved my family and we loved him. I met Duty when he was 87 and he died at 103.
Duty was named Double Duty Radcliffe by Damon Runyon who saw Duty catch the first game of a double header against the NY Black Yankees with Satchel Paige pitching which resulted in a shutout. In the second game, Duty pitched a shutout. Damon Runyon said Ted Radcliffe was worth double the admission for doing Double Duty on the baseball field.
Always clear minded and full of mischief and joy. There will never be a more interesting man than Ted “Double Duty” Radcliffe. A true legend.
