Joe “Pig” Greene Uniform and Catching Equipment (c. 1940’s)

James Greene was born in 1911 in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Greene started his career as a first baseman with the Atlanta Black Crackers of the Negro Southern League in 1932. During the 1940’s Greene played for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League. During this time, he was considered by many as the best catcher in the Negro American League. Greene was selected to play in the East-West All-Star game on two occasions. He also hit with power, which is evidenced by 33 homeruns in 1940 and 38 homeruns in 1942. His career was interrupted in 1943 when he was drafted into the service. During his military service in the U.S. Army with the 92nd Division, he played at lot of baseball. His military team won the Mediterranean Theater of Operations baseball championship. Following his military service, Greene returned to the Negro League. 

 Joe "Pig" Greene - Kansas City Monarch 1939-1947

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

Atlanta Black Crackers                   1932-1938

Homestead Grays                           1939

Kansas City Monarchs                    1939-1943

Military Service                                1943-1945

Kansas City Monarchs                    1946-1947

Cleveland Buckeyes                       1948

During the off season, Greene had his own team called the “Joe Greene’s All-Stars.” Greene continued to barnstorm with his own team from 1949 until the early-mid 1950’s after he retired from the Negro League. He also played in Canada for one season in 1951 with the Elmwood Giants of the Mandak League.