Eugene “Gene” Smith Cleveland Buckeyes (1949)

This contract is between Eugene Smith and the Cleveland Buckeyes for the 1949 Negro American League season. This Negro American League of Professional Ball Clubs Uniform Player’s Contract calls for Smith to be paid $ 500.00 per month. An interesting addendum to the contract is that it calls for the players to pay for their meals at all times and provides no meal money when the players were on the road.

Eugene Smith - Cleveland Buckeyes

• The Cleveland Buckeyes were organized in 1942 by Ernest Wright and began playing in the Negro American League in 1943. They played in the Negro American League through the 1950 season. The highlight of the Buckeye franchise was winning the championships in 1945 with a record of 53-16 and in 1947 with a record of 54-23.  Quincy Trouppe managed the team to both pennants.

Eugene “Gene” Smith was a right-handed power pitcher during his baseball career. He pitched three no-hitters against Negro League opponents. Gene was also a good hitting pitcher, which is evidenced by his .375 batting average in 1948. He was selected to play in the East-West All-Star game in 1942.



During his Negro League career, Gene Smith played for the following teams:           

 Atlanta Black Crackers.                 Negro American League.            1938

 Ethiopian Clowns.                           Independent                                 1939

 St. Louis Stars.                                 Negro American League.            1939

 Monterrey                                        Mexican League                           1939

New Orleans-St. Louis Stars          Negro American League            1940-1941

Kansas City Monarchs                     Negro American League.            1941

New York Black Yankees                Negro National League.              1942

Pittsburgh Crawfords                      United States League                  1946

Homestead Grays                            Negro National League               1946-1947

Havana La Palomas                         Independent                                  1947

Cleveland Buckeyes                        Negro American League             1947-1948

Chicago American Giants               Negro American League             1949

Louisville Buckeyes                         Negro American League.            1949

Cleveland Buckeyes                        Negro American League             1950

Chicago American Giants               Negro American League.             1950-1951

Carman Cardinals.                            Mandak League.                            1952

Smith also pitched in Puerto Rico and in the California Winter League for the Kansas City Royals in 1946.