John Wesley Donaldson

Selected Stories and Essays about Southpaw Pitcher John Donaldson

Headlines, Stories, and Essays about John Donaldson

Stories are placed in order of the date they appeared.

1911

Tennessee Rats Prepare to Play at Perry
"The colored men have within the past week won from Jefferson, Redfield, Adel, and Panora, and number of Perry people who saw them play yesterday at Grand Junction, say they are very fast."

Humboldt Loses Long Game
"The ball game in the afternoon was undoubtedly the best of the year. The Tennessee Rats and Humboldt Champions went eighteen innings to a score of three to four - the Rats winning in the eighteenth with a home run after two were down. The Rats worked their best man - the long left-hander. The Champions need Pitcher Dye, late with the Pocohontas team. They were also forced to fill in with several home boys, and though the editor of this paper did not see the conflict, it is stated that had the regular fielders been on the job the game would have ended in the ninth with Humboldt on the big end of the Score."

"Humboldt Loses Long Game. - Humboldt, Iowa, Sept. 15. - Brown's Tennessee Rats, the colored team that has defeated so many of Iowa's semi-professionals this season, defeated Humboldt in one of the sensational games of the season in eighteen innings. Dye, who has gained such a reputation for himself this year, pitched airtight ball for Humboldt. Donaldson twirled for the negroes. The same teams played here yesterday in an eleven-inning game, which was won by Humboldt."
Click here to read the entire original articles about John Donaldson's first known recorded no-hitter.

1912

All-Nations Beat Johnsons
"Visitors Win Fast Game From Biscuit Men by 3 to 1 Score. - In a spectacular battle staged at Mizzou park yesterday afternoon the All-Nation baseball club won over the Johnson Biscuit company's independent organization by the score of 3 to 1. The game was decided in the ninth frame, when Dunbar, the Indian playing with the visitors, rapped out a two-bagger that scored the two runners on the sacks. The game was closely played throughout.
The feature of the struggle was the flinging of Donaldson, the Cuban pitcher with the traveling club. Donaldson was in superb form, pitching a no-hit game and whiffing twenty of the Johnson players during the battle. Carrie, the girl who plays the first station for the visitors, also attracted considerable attention by the way she handled herself on the base.
It is expected that Mendez, the big Cuban twirler who defeated the New York Giants on their barnstorming tour in Cuba last fall, will be on the mound for the All-Nation aggregation in this afternoon's game at Riverside park. If Mendez is not in shape, Donaldson will probably go on the mound."
Click here to read the entire original article about John Donaldson's second known recorded no-hitter.

Omaha and All Nations get mention in Chicago Paper

1914

All Nations 8; Stumppullers 0
"Nine hundred and twenty six fans gathered at the Interurban ball park yesterday afternoon to see the Stumppullers meet their second defeat at the hands of the All Nations team. It was a hard drubbing to take as the All Nations rushed in eight scores as Donaldson stood on the mound and pitched a no-hit game. The local team was unable to find the black pitcher for any kind of a hit and only three men were allowed to see a base, Freeland going to first base, when he knocked a long fly in Centerfield and Brinkley dropped it, Rearnon going to first on a fielder's choice and Wheeler walking. Freeland was called out by the umpire on third base, when he attempted to steal and it was the opinion of the crowd that he had arrived on the sack in plenty of time. The umpire could not see very well and John Ball was taken out and Flactiff placed behind the pitcher to oversee the game.
Sunday's game started out in the box and after four men had faced him, allowing two hits, a fly to left field and Wheeler went to the fielding position. Reardon lasted until the first half of the third and was placed back in the field and Wheeler went in the box. Donaldson was the first man up and slugged Wheeler for three bases and he was continually pounded by the hard hitting bunch of All Nations. Nothing seemed to stop them from their slaughter. Donaldson had no mercy and struckout 16 men during the game and his fielders watched every ball that was hit. It was just a case of the All Nations being too fast for the Centerville team."
Click here to read the entire original article, complete with a box score, about John Donaldson's third known recorded no-hitter.

Donaldson likewise pitched his most noteworthy game Sunday.
"Donaldson likewise pitched his most noteworthy game Sunday. He received faultless support but his teammates for the most part might as well have sat on the bench and played mumble-di-peg for he needed very little assistance. He made an average of two strikeouts to the inning and in the first, sixth and ninth innings retired Sioux Falls in successive strikeouts. In the eighth and ninth innings he made five strikeouts in succession. The black boy's sacrifice hit in the thirteenth gave Blattner the advance he needed to make his winning run possible. He assisted in the putout of two batters, fielded effortlessly, and made one of the only two stolen bases of the entire game. Like Lane he pitched one inning too many. In the last inning he weakened. His delivery lacked its usual snap and the score card indicates that he needed relief for Stockman and Lappin each hit him, one for a safe hit and he walked Dakin."
Click here to read the entire original article, complete with a box score, about John Donaldson' fourth known recorded no-hitter.

Austin Wins, 1 to 0, in Fine Slab Duel
"The stands were packed Sunday and the fans saw another great game. Crouse again displayed form that marks him as the foremost mound artist in this part of the country. He struck out fifteen and allowed only one hit.
Before the game had progressed very far the confident smile faded from the face of Donaldson when he found he could not bring home the bacon as he expected to do.
Our one score came in the third when Dietrich walked, stole second and came home on Garzee's hit to Crow who threw wild to first.
No better ball playing could be asked for and the class and snap the team displayed put the spirit and base ball fever back into the fans who were losing interest.

Austin, Minn., Aug. 17 - (Special) - In another great exhibition of baseball, Austin shut out the All Nations yesterday, 1 to 0. This made 24 straight innings for the All Nations against Austin without making a score. It was a pitchers' battle between Donaldson and Crouse, each whiffing fifteen men, Austin's run was made by Dietrich, who got a base on balls, stole second, and scored on an overthrow by Crow, who Carrie sacrificed. The largest crowd ever on the local field was present.

Austin 1 - All Nations 0. - Austin, Minn., Aug. 18 - The largest crowd of the season watched Austin down the traveling All Nations in a red hot pitchers' battle by the score of 1 to 0. Crouse, late of the Davenport Three-I league team and Donaldson, the southpaw phenom of the All Nations, were the opposing slabsters and each showed rare form. Both struck out fifteen men. Donaldson did not allow a single hit, nor anything approaching one, but passed three men. This proved his downfall, as Dietrich, after a walk, stole second, and scored with Sam Crow, the Indian, overthrew first, Except for a single by Mendez, the Cuban, Crouse was unhittable and he walked but one man, these being the only men to reach first for the All Nations."
Click here to read the entire original articles, complete with a box score, about John Donaldson's fifth known recorded no-hitter.

1915

Schmelzers Beaten in No-Hit Game
"The Kansas City Colts, formerly the Kansas City, Kansas Giants, administered the first defeat of the season to the Schmelzers yesterday, 4 to 0. The features were the fielding of the Colts, the pitching of Donaldson, who struck out nineteen men and let the Schmelzers down without a hit, and the homerun of Gray.

Schmelzers beaten in No-Hit Game - The K.C. Colts, formerly the K.C. (Kas.) Giants, administered the first defeat of the season to the strong Schmelzer club at Brenneisen's park by the score of 4 to 0. The feature of the game was the all round fielding of the Colts and the pitching of Donaldson, who struck out nineteen men and let the Schmelzers down without a hit or run.

K.C. Colts Celebrate Opening of Season - Takes One from Schmelzer. - The Kansas City Colts celebrated the opening of their season by administering the first defeat of the season to the strong Schmelzer Arms Club, at Brenneisen's Park, before a crowd of 900 enthusiastic fans by the score of 4 to 0. The features of the game were the all around fielding of the Colts and the pitching of Donaldson, who struck out 19 men and let the Schmelzers down without a hit and the homerun drive of Gray over the fence in the first inning."
Click here to read the entire original articles, about John Donaldson' sixth known recorded no-hitter.

All Nations to play Iola, Kansas Go-Devils
"They feature Donaldson, a colored pitcher, who recently struck out seven men consecutively and held the opposing team to one hit.

*By going back and looking in Iola, Kansas again, we have discovered a lot more information about this game!

"Donalson will be pitched against Harper Sunday afternoon."

"In Sunday's game, Harper will pitch for the local aggregation and Donaldson for the visitors."

"Donaldson, the star twirler for the All Nations club was doing slab duty for the visitors and was nicked for fourteen blows in Saturday's battle and while 'Bad Eye' Jackson, the Devils choice was touched for only seven safe ones, his support was very wobbly, errors being responsible for their defeat by an 8 to 7 score."

Sunday, Donaldson was the star stickman for the day, gathering three blows, one a two-bagger, out of four trips to the plate.

All Nations with John Donaldson to Battle Storz Next
Omaha, NE

"The next attraction offered by Manager Bradford of the Storz is the All Nations, featuring John Donaldson, the great colored southpaw. These games are the banner events in the Storz calendar, and are scheduled for May 29, 30 and 31.

A Remarkable Pitchers'Duel
"Donaldson Pitched 12 Hitless Innings and Struck Out 25 - John Donaldson, the greatest negro pitcher in the country, probably broke a world's record yesterday in a game against Joe Dear's Schmelzers. Donaldson, pitching for the All-Nations' club went twelve innings without allowing a hit and struck out twenty-five men. Donaldson has won eighty-one out of eighty-six games. Last week he pitched a no-hit game against the Schmelzers, completing a record of twenty-one hitless innings against Dear's boys.
Yockey, who pitched for the Schmelzers, allowed four hits. His own error in the twelfth inning, when he slipped down in trying to field a bunt and threw wild to first after two were out, paved the way for the All Nations' three runs. The final score was 3 to 0.
Yockey struck out fifteen men and was a worthy opponent to the negro pitcher.

Schmelzers Held Hitless 12 Innings by Donaldson - Negro Hurler of All-Nations Fans 25 Men and Beats Yockey, 3 to 0. - Pitching a remarkable game, John Donaldson, the negro hurler of the All-Nations team, yesterday blanked the Schmelzers for twelve innings without a hit and finally won, 3 to 0. In performing this feat, the crack twirler struck out twenty-five men. One error let a Schmelzer reach first and a few more get to the initial corner or walks, but Donaldson was never in much danger of being scored upon.
Yockey, the star pitcher of the Schmelzers, also came through with a fine exhibition, but he had little chance of winning against Donaldson's work. He fanned fifteen of the All-Nations and held them to but six hits in the twelve rounds, but two of them, along with a couple of errors in the final chapter, caused his defeat. The game was played at Brenneisen's park in Armourdale.
The All-Nations club was purchased yesterday by the Schmelzer's Arms Company, which will use it for advertising purposes. The team was formerly owned by Wilkinson and Gaul. The club will play Joe Dear's team at Leavenworth today and will appear at Omaha Saturday, Sunday and Monday."
Click here to read the entire original articles, with a line score, about John Donaldson's seventh known recorded no-hitter.

All Nations Here for Three Games With the Storz
Omaha, NE

"John Donaldson, the king of colored slabmen; "Jap" Pacobi, star pitcher of the Tokio university, during their 1913 tour of the United States, and Paul Jones, a southpaw recruit, will probably work against the brewers."

Storz Open Series with All Nations Saturday
Omaha, NE

"'Smoke' Donaldson, who struck out the Storz with great regularity upon previous occasions, is again in the lineup, and the All Nations crew is no weaker than in former visits here."

All Nations and Storz Start Three Games Here Today
Omaha, NE

"The lineup:... Pitch... Donaldson..."

All Nations not to Play Today; Two Games Sunday
Omaha, NE

"'Smoke' Donaldson, the colored southpaw of the All-Nations, who pitched a twelve-inning no hit game last Saturday against the Schmelzer Arms company team at Kansas City, will pitch one of the games for the All-Nations."

All Nations here Ready for the Storz
Omaha, NE

"The All-Nation baseball club arrived in Omaha Thursday morning in their private car, Jeannette, which will be parked at the Union station until the last game of the series with the Storz."

Storz and All Nations Double Header Sunday
Omaha, NE

"Donaldson will debut in the first session, with young Hayes as his opponent on the Stors firing line."

Storz and All Nations in Double Header Sunday
Omaha, NE

"Donaldson and Jacobi will be the pitchers for the All Nations and Hayes and Gray for the Storz."

Welch to Play Against All Nations Today
Omaha, NE

"'Smoke" Donaldson, hero of many no-hit games, will pitch one of the games of today's double-header for the All-Nations against the Storz at Rourke park."

Two Big Games at Rourke Park Today
Omaha, NE

"Donaldson, said to be the peer of any pitcher on the diamond today, will pitch against Hayes in the opener, and Jacobi, and almost equally great pitcher, against Gray in the closing session."

Crawford's All-Stars to Play Storz here Sunday
Omaha, NE

"Since their double victory over the All-Nations Monday the Storz have been jubilant and Manager Bradford believes he at last has a team that will be able to trim some of the crack visiting aggregations."

IF HE WERE WHITE
KANSAS CITY, May 29. - John Donaldson, a negro who is pitching for the All Nationals, a team composed of players of different nations, has established a pitching record that probably never will be equaled. Donaldson has pitched thirty hitless innings. Last week he held the Schmelzers without a blow in nine innings; during the week he let the K.C.K. All Stars down without a hit and this week here again he held the Schmelzers hitless in a twelve-inning game making thirty consecutive hitless innings. In the twelve-inning game he struck out twenty-five men. The Schmelzers is a very strong team and all the members have at one time or the other been in the Class A leagues. Muggsy McGraw saw Donaldson pitch in Cuba during his world tour and made the remark that if Donaldson was white he would give $50,000 for him.
Click here to read the entire article from Indianapolis, Indiana about John Donaldson.

COLOR LINE LOSES 3 GREAT PITCHERS TO MAJOR LEAGUES
Donaldson, Wickware and Cuban Negro Wonders on the Twirlers' Mound
By Frank G. Menke - New York, June 8 - The color line drawn so tightly around major league baseball has barred from major league fields three of the greatest pitchers the game has ever produced. One of the trio, John Donaldson, pitching semipro ball in Kansas City, recently pitched 30 innings without allowing a hit or run - a record without parallel.
"If Donaldson were a white man, or if the unwritten law of baseball didn't bar negroes from the major leagues, I would give $50,000 for him - and think I was getting a bargain," said John McGraw of the Giants, after seeing Donaldson pitch several games in Cuba. Donaldson, just before establishing his record of pitching 30 innings without being hit, struck out 25 men in a 12-inning game - an average of better than two strike-outs per inning. Donaldson just now is twirling for the All-Nations, a Kansas City team composed of players of all nations and an outfit that baseball sharps claim is strong enough to give any major league club a nip-and-tuck battle.
Frank Wickware is another negro pitcher who would rank with the Walter Johnsons, Joe Woods and Grover Alexanders if he were a white man. Wickware performed some marvelous pitching feats in and around Schenectady, New York, and has since moved to Chicago where he has become a sensation among the semipros.
Has Marvelous Speed and Curve. - Wickware has marvelous speed, a weird set of curves and wonderful control. And he has a trick that has made him feared among batters. He throws what seems to be a "bean-ball," but his control is so perfect that he never yet has hit a batter in the head. But when the batters see the ball, propelled with mighty force, come for their heads, they jump away - and the ball, taking its proper and well-timed curve, arches over the plate for a strike.
Wickware has compiled a wonderful strike-out average. He figured in about 30 games over a stretch of three years from 1912 and struck out something like 250 batsmen - an average of about 8 1/3 to a game. In one game he fanned 15 men. He has allowed on average of only five hits to a game for the last 20 games pitched and over a stretch of 15 games he allowed only 26 runs, less than two runs to a game.
In Cuba there is a negro pitcher by the name of Mendez. He's known as "The Black Matty" and his work has been almost as brilliant as that of "the Big Six" of the Giants. Mendez is only of medium height but he has terrific power in his arm. The Cuban negro has a canny brain and he always has used it. He has mixed his fast ball with his slow one, has an assortment of beautiful curves and perfect control. Pitching for the speedy Almandares team he has established some amazing records. But he has done so without really trying. Like Matthewson he never pitches air-tight ball unless he has to. He conserves his strength. But when he needs to pitch hitless ball he does it. When he needs to strike out a man he usually succeeds. But he always works on the theory that he has eight men to aid him in his defensive work."
Click here to read the entire article from Colorado Springs, Colorado about John Donaldson, Frank Wickware, and Jose Mendez.

GREAT PITCHERS ARE BARRED FROM MAJORS - Color Line Keeps Out Three Wonderful Mound Artists From Big Clubs. - The color line, drawn so tightly around major league baseball, has barred from major league fields three of the greatest pitchers the game ever has produced. One of the trio, John Donaldson, pitching semi-pro ball in Kansas City, recently pitched 30 innings without allowing a hit or run - a record without a parallel. 'If donaldson were a white man, or if the unwritten law of baseball didn't bar negroes from the major leagues, I would give $50,000 for him - and think I was getting a bargain." said John McGraw, of the Giants, after seeing Donaldson pitch several games in Cuba.
Donaldson, just before establishing his record of pitching 30 innings without being hit, struck out 25 men in a twelve inning game - an average of better than two strikeouts per inning. Donaldson just now is twirling for the All-Nationals, a Kansas City team composed of players of all nations and an outfit that baseball sharps claim is strong enough to give any major league club a nip-and-tuck battle. Frank Wickware is another negro pitcher who would rank with Walter Johnsons, Joe Woods and Grover Alexanders if he were a white man. Wickware performed some marvelous pitching feats in and around Schenectady, N.Y., and has since moved on to Chicago, where he has become a sensation among the semi-pros. Wickware has marvelous speed, a weird set of curves and wonderful control And he has a trick that has made him feared among batters. He throws what seems to be a "bean-ball," but his control is so perfect that he never yet has hit a batter in the head. But when the batters see the ball, propelled with mighty force, come for their heads, they jump away - and the ball, taking its proper and well-times curve, arches over the plate for a strike.
Wickware has compiled a wonderful strike-out average. He figured in about thirty games over a stretch of three years from 1912 and struck out something like 250 batsmen - an average of about eight and one-third to a game. In one game he fanned 15 men. He has allowed on an average of only five hits to a game for the last 20 games played and over a stretch of 15 games allowed only 26 runs, less than two runs to a game. In Cuba there is a negro pitcher by the name of Mendez. He's known as 'The Black Matty,' and his work has been almost as brilliant as that of 'The Big Six' of the Giants. Mendez is only of medium height, but he has terrific power of his arm. The Cuban negro has a canny brain and he always uses it. He has mixed his fast ball with his slow one, and has an assortment of beautiful curves and perfect control. Pitching for the speedy Almendares team he has established some amazing records. But he has done so without really trying. Like Matthewson he never pitches air-tight ball unless he has to. He conserves his strength. But when he needs to pitch hitless ball he does it. When he needs to strike out a man he usually succeeds. But he always works on the theory that he has eight men to aid him in his defensive work."
Click here to read the entire article from Mansfield, Ohio about John Donaldson, Frank Wickware, and Jose Mendez.

New York, June 15 - The unwritten law that a Negro cannot play in the major leagues has kept at least three promising pitchers from taking the little hillock in the grounds where the people look down from all sides. Donaldson, a Kansas City semipro, pitched 30 innings without allowing a hit or run. When McGraw saw Donaldson pitch in Cuba he said: "If the unwritten baseball law did not bar Negroes from the major leagues, or if Donaldson were a white man, I would pay $50,000 for him, and I would think I was getting a bargain at that." In addition to his record of no hits or no runs in 30 innings, Donaldson has struck out 25 men in a 12-inning game, more than two strikeouts an inning.
Wickware, a Chicago semipro, struck out nearly 250 batsmen in 30 games. In one game he fanned 15 batters. In his last 20 games he allowed on the average only five hits and in the last 15 games he allowed only two runs to a game. He throws what is known as a "bean ball," a shoot that darts straight for the batter's head, and then swerves across the plate. Cuba has another Negro pitcher, Mendez, who is known in Havana as "the Black Matty" because he pitches like Matthewson.
Click here to read the entire article from Springfield, Massachusetts about John Donaldson, Frank Wickware, and Jose Mendez.

Three Great Pitchers Are Barred From Big League Because of Color - New York, June 15. - The color line drawn so tightly around major league baseball has barred from major league fields three of the greatest pitchers the game ever has produced. One of the trio, John Donaldson, pitching semi-pro ball in Kansas City, recently pitched 30 innings without allowing a hit or a run - a record without parallel. 'If Donaldson were a white man, or if the unwritten law of baseball didn't bar negroes from the major leagues, I would give $50,000 for him - and think I was getting a bargain.' said John McGraw of the Giants, after seeing Donaldson pitch several games in Cuba. Donaldson just before establishing his record of pitching 30 innings without being hit, struck out 25 men in a twelve inning game - an average of better than two strike outs per inning.
Donaldson just now is twirling for the All-Nationals, a Kansas City team composed of players of all nations and an outfit that baseball sharps claim is strong enough to give any major league club a nip and tuck battle. Frank Wickware is another negro pitcher who would rank with the Walter Johnsons, Joe Woods, and Grover Alexanders if he were a white man. Wickware performed some marvelous pitching feats in, and around, Schenectady, N.Y., and has since moved on to Chicago where he has become a sensation among the semi-pros. Wickware has marvelous speed, a weird set of curves and wonderful control. And he has a trick that has made him feared among batters. He throws what seems to be a 'bean ball,' but his control is so perfect that he never yet has hit a batter in the head. But when the batters see the ball, propelled with mighty force, come for their heads, they jump away - and the ball, taking its proper and well-times curve, arches over the plate for a strike.
Wickware has compiled a wonderful strike-out average. He figured in about thirty games over a stretch of three years from 1912 and struck out something like 250 batsmen - an average of about 8-1/3 to a game. In one game he fanned fifteen men. He has allowed on an average of only five hits to a game for the last twenty games pitched and over a stretch of fifteen games he allowed only twenty-six runs - less than two runs to a game. In Cuba, there is a negro pitcher by the name of Mendez. He's known as 'The Black Matty' and his work has been almost as brilliant as that of the 'the Big Six' of the Giants. Mendez is only of medium height but he has terrific power in his arm. The Cuban negro has a canny brain and he always has used it. He has mixed his fast ball with his slow one, has an assortment of beautiful curves and perfect control. Pitching for the speedy Almendares team he has established some amazing records. But he has done so without really trying. Like Mattewson he never pitches air-tight ball unless he has to. He conserves his strength. But when he needs to pitch hitless ball he does it. When he needs to strike out a man he usually succeeds. But he always works on the theory that he has eight men to aid him in his defensive work."
Click here to read the entire article from Syracuse, New York about John Donaldson, Frank Wickware, and Jose Mendez.

COLOR LINE BARRED MANY GREAT STARS - (Special to the Gazette.) New York, June 18. - The color line drawn so tightly around majore league baseball has barred from major league fields three of the greatest pitchers the game ever has produced. One of the trio, John Donaldson, pitching semi-pro ball in Kansas City, recently pitched thirty innings without allowing a hit or run - a record without a parallel. 'If Donaldson were a white man, or if the unwritten law of baseball didn't bar negroes from the major league, I would give $50,000 for him - and think I was getting a bargain,' said John McGraw of the Giants, after seeing Donaldson pitch several games in Cuba. Donaldson, just before establishing his record of pitching thirty innings without being hit, struck out twenty-five men in a twelve-inning game - an average of better than two strikeouts per inning.
Donaldson just now is twirling for the All-Nationals, a Kansas City team composed of players of all nations and an outfit that baseball sharps claim is strong enough to give any major league club a nip and tuck battle. Frank Wickware is another negro pitcher who would rank with the Walter Johnsons, Joe Woods and Grover Alexanders if he were a white man. Wickware performed some marvelous pitching feats in and around Schenectady, N.Y., and has since moved on to Chicago, where he has become a sensation among the semi-pros. Wickware has marvelous speed, a weird set of curves and wonderful control. And he has a trick that has made him feared among batters. He throws what seems to be a 'bean ball,' but his control is so perfect that he never yet has hit a batter in the head. But when the batters see the ball, propelled with mighty force, come for their heads, they jump away - and the ball, taking its proper and well-times curve, arches over the plate for a strike.
Wickware has compiled a wonderful strikeout average. He figured in about thirty games over a stretch of three years from 1912 and struck out something like 250 batsmen - an average of eight and one-third to a game. In one game he fanned fifteen men. He has allowed on an average of only five hits to a game for the last twenty games pitched and over a stretch of fifteen games he allowed twenty-six runs less than two runs to a game. In Cuba, there is a negro pitcher by the name of Mendez. He's known as 'the black Matty' and his work has been almost as brilliant as that of 'the Big Six' of the Giants. Mendez is only of medium height, but he has terrific power in his arm.
Click here to read the entire article from Janesville, Wisconsin about John Donaldson, Frank Wickware, and Jose Mendez.

COLOR LINE HAS KEPT MANY A GOOD BALL PLAYER OUT OF MAJORS. - The color line drawn so tightly around the major league baseball has barred from major league fields three of the greatest pitchers the game ever has produced. One of the trio, John Donaldson, pitching semi-pro ball in Kansas City, recently pitched thirty innings with-out allowing a hit or run - a record without parallel. 'If Donaldson were a white man, or if the unwritten law of baseball didn't bar negroes from the major leagues, I would give $50,000 for him - and think I was getting a bargain." said John McGraw of the Giants, after seeing Donaldson pitch several games in Cuba.
Donaldson, just before establishing his record of pitching thirty innings without being hit, struck out twenty-five men in a twelve-inning game - an average of better than two strikeouts per inning. Donaldson just now is twirling for the All-Nationals, a Kansas City team composed of players of all nations, and an outfit that baseball sharps claim is strong enough to give any major league club a nip-and-tuck battle. Frank Wickware is another negro pitcher who would rank with the Walter Johnsons, Joe Woods and Grover Alexanders if he were a white man. Wickware performed some marvelous pitching feats in and around Schenectady, New York, and has since moved on to Chicago, where he has become a sensation among the semi-pros. He has pitched here against the A.B.C.'s.
Wickware has marvelous speed, a weird set of curves and wonderful control. And he has a trick that has made him feared among batters. He throws what seems to be a "bean-ball," but his control is so perfect that he never yet has hit a batter in the head. But when the batters see the ball, propelled with mighty force, come for their heads, they jump away - and the ball, taking its proper and well-times curve, arches over the plate for a strike. Wickware has compiled a wonderful strike-out average. He figured in about thirty games over a stretch of three years from 1912, and struck out something like 250 batsmen - an average of about 8 1/3 to a game. In one game he fanned fifteen men. He has allowed on an average of only five hits to a game for the last twenty games pitched, and over a stretch of fifteen games he allowed only twenty-six runs, less than two runs to a game.
In Cuba there is a negro pitcher by the name of Mendez. He's known as "The Black Matty" and his work has been almost as brilliant as that of "The Big Six" of the Giants. Mendez is only of medium height, but he has terrific power in his arm. The Cuban negro has a canny brain and he always has used it. He has mixed his fast ball with his slow one, has an assortment of beautiful curves and perfect control. Pitching for the speedy Almendares team he has established some amazing records. But he has done so without really trying. Like Mathewson, he never pitches a right ball unless he has to. He conserves his strength. But when he needs to pitch hitless ball he does it. When he needs to strike out a man he usually succeeds. But he always works on the theory that he has eight men to aid him in his defensive work. - From the Indiana Daily Times.
Click here to read the entire article from Indianapolis, Indiana about John Donaldson, Frank Wickware, and Jose Mendez.

COLOR LINE BARS OUT MANY GREAT PLAYERS - Negro Pitcher at Kansas City Recently Hurled Thirty Innings Without Allowing Hit. - The color line drawn so tightly around major league baseball has barred from major league fields three of the greatest pitchers the game has produced. One of the trio, John Donaldson, pitching semi-pro ball in Kansas City, recently pitched 30 innings without allowing a hit or a run - a record without parallel. "If Donaldson were a white man, or if the unwritten law of baseball didn't bar negroes from the major leagues, I would give $50,000 for him - and think I was getting a bargain," said John McGraw of the Giants, after seeing Donaldson pitch several games in Cuba.
Donaldson, just before establishing his record of pitching 30 innings without being hit, struck out 25 men in a 12-inning game - an average of better than two strikeouts per inning. Donaldson just now is twirling for the All Nationals, a Kansas City team composed of players of all nations and an outfit that baseball sharps claim, is strong enough to give any major league club a nip and tuck battle. Frank Wickware is another negro pitcher who would rank with the Walter Johnsons, Joe Woods, and Grover Alexanders if he were a white man. Wickware performed some marvelous pitching feats in and around Schenectady, NY, and has since moved on to Chicago, where he has become a sensation among the semi-pros.
Has Great Speed. - Wickware has marvelous speed, a weird set of curves and wonderful control. And he has a trick that has made him feared among batters. He throws what seems to be a "bean ball," but his control is so perfect that he never yes has hit a batter on the head. But when the batters see the ball, propelled with mighty force, come for their heads, they jump away, and the ball, taking its proper and well-times curve, arches over the plate for a strike. Wickware has compiled a wonderful strike-out average. He figured in about 30 games over a stretch of three years from 1912, and struck out something like 250 batsmen, an average of about 8 1/3 to a game. In one game he fanned 15 men. He has allowed on average only five hits to a game for the last 20 games pitched, and over a stretch of 15 games he allowed only 26 runs - less than two runs to a game.
In Cuba there is a negro pitcher by the name of Mendez. He's known as "The Black Matty," and his work has been almost as brilliant as that of "The Big Six" of the Giants. Mendez is only of medium height, but he has terrific power in his arm. The Cuban negro has a canny brain, and he always has used it. He has mixed his fast ball with his slow one, has an assortment of beautiful curves and perfect control. Pitching for the speedy Almendares team, he has established some amazing records. But he has done so without really trying. Like Matthewson, he never pitches airtight ball unless he has to. He conserves his strength. But when he needs to pitch hitless ball he does it. When he needs to strike out a man he usually succeeds. But he always works on the theory that he has eight men to aid him in his defensive work.
Click here to read the entire article from Duluth, Minnesota about John Donaldson, Frank Wickware, and Jose Mendez.

Color Line in Baseball - The color line, drawn so tightly around major league baseball, has barred from major leagues field one of the greatest pitchers the game has ever produced. He is John Donaldson, pitching semi-pro ball in Kansas City. He recently pitched 30 innings without a parallel. "If Donaldson were a white man, or if the unwritten law of baseball didn't bar negroes from the major leagues, I would give $50,000 for him, and think I was getting a bargain," said John McGraw of the Giants; after seeing Donaldson pitch several games in Cuba. Donaldson, just before establishing his record of 30 innings without being hit, struck out 25 men in a 12-inning game - an average of better than two strikeouts per inning. Donaldson just now is twirling for the All-Nationals, a Kansas City team composed of players of all nations and an outfit that baseball sharps claim is string enough to give any major league club a nip-and-tuck battle.
Click here to read the entire article from Oakland, California about John Donaldson.

THE GO-DEVILS IN BIG SERIES
"Manager Grubbs Will Try to Enter His Team in Kansas City Tourney.
Manager Grubbs today said he was going to make every effort to take the Go-Devils to Kansas City next Sunday and Monday to enter the western elimination games for the world's series between negro ball clubs. If he is sure of the trip he will select his players tomorrow or Wednesday.
Negro baseball teams which are scheduled to appear in the western division elimination games at Association Park next Sunday and Labor Day have begun to strengthen their personnel. 'Bud' Phillips, manager of the St. Joseph Giants, is negotiating with John Donaldson, considered the crack negro pitcher of America, and it is expected that Donaldson will sign with him. 'Jack' Johnson, the Topeka first baseman, also is among the players who will take part. Elimination games will also be played in St. Louis, Indianapolis and Chicago.
Click here to read the entire article about the upcoming baseball series in Kansas City.

Headlines, Stories, and Essays about John Donaldson (continued)

Stories are placed in order of the date they appeared.

1916

All Nations Tackle The American Giants
The Chicago Defender (Big Weekend Edition), Chicago, IL, September 23, 1916

"Donaldson has struck out 240 in twelve games. Some more record. Then he has a record of 110 strike-outs in 110 innings. At Sioux Falls he whiffed 35 in an eighteen-inning fray, and turned right back a few days later and struck out 27 men in twelve innings.

Lost - One Wickware
The Chicago Defender (Big Weekend Edition), Chicago, IL, October 7, 1916

"Lost - One great pitcher, who lost to John Donaldson Sunday at the American Giants park."

1917

All Nations to play Jack Johnson's Colored Giants of Topeka
Topeka, KS

"Johnson says he has two pitchers in Big Fred Harrison and McCord, that might compare favorably with Donaldson, the famous negro twirler of the All Nations team."

All Nations to play Jack Johnson's Giants
Topeka, KS

"The team includes John Donaldson, said to be the greatest colored pitcher in the world...

All Nations here for Two Games
Pleasanton, KS

"They carry John Donaldson, the famous negro hurler, whose record last season was sixty wins out of sixty-five starts."

All Nations to play Blue Mound, Kansas
Blue Mound, KS

"Schmelzer's All Nations Base Ball Club play our local team here, Monday."

They are coming back, the Indianapolis A.B .Cs.
Kansas City, MO

"Terms, 60 per cent to winner, 40 per cent to loser."

All-Nations to play Kansas City, KS Giants and Jack Johnson's Topeka Giants

All-Nations to play Old Fashioned Lagers

All-Nations to play Old Fashioned Lagers

Andrew Rube Foster and his wife invite John Donaldson and his wife to dinner.

1918

CAPITOL CITY GIANTS AFTER INDIANA MAN
Barber, ss; Frederick, 3b; Jackson, 2b; Hill, c; Hunter, lf; Saunders, cf; Monroe, 1b; Cross, rf; Donaldson, Cross, N. Jackson, Moore, p; Earl Barber and Sweatt, utility.
From the above named athletes M.J. Bradford, manager, and Emory Jackson, captain of the Capitol City Giants, will select, what he believes to be the strongest negro nine in the state.
Avers Manager Bradford, "There is only one thing that we have to do and that is to get John Donaldson. You all know who he is, I reckon. Well, if we land him, as I believe we will, then the boys will have to watch out for us, that's all, for we will be stronger than horseradish in August."
Bradford has wired terms to the big "crooked arm" and has made him a handsome offer. Donaldson is at present with the Indianapolis A.B.C. Club, one of the fastest negro clubs in the country.
"That Carver Hardware Club is the crew we want to pick on first," explained Captain Jackson, "and you just say we wan to play them for all the gate receipts, whether we get Donaldson or not. We want to play them at the Western League park the first open date of the season."
Manager Kerwin, over the wire, seconded the motion made by Jackson, and says that he will go a litle further and play for a side bet. Last season the two clubs side-stepped each other and did not meet.
Well, boys, hop to it. Talk is cheap. What the fans want to see is action and not a lot of "bunk" in the newspapers.

1922

Carrie Nations Play Nave-McCords, Donaldson Game is Announced

Donaldson Hurls No-Hit Game for All Nations
"The local semi-pro ball team met defeat Thursday afternoon on the local field when the fast All Nation colored team from Kansas City won from them 2 to 0. It was one of the best exhibitions of base ball ever seen on the local diamond. Both teams played air-tight ball and timely hits in the eighth gave the visitors their two runs. Daniels for Corning pitched fine ball but Corning was unable to solve the delivery of the mightly Donaldson, one of the best known men in base ball. His pitching was the feature of the game. The game went smoothly, no disputes of any kind and the visitors are certainly to be congratulated upon their sportsmanly conduct and fair play. The local management insisted that one of the All Nation men umpire, which he did and gave excellent satisfaction. The visitors had only good words for the way the local people treated them and they were equally as bitter in their denunciation of the treatment at Creston the day previous when Creston defeated (?) them 6 to 5 in 10 innings. Many local fans attended the game and do not hesitate to say that the Creston umpire was entirely responsible for the Creston victory. It is said the local business men had a meeting next morning and gave the ball team management to understand that such methods of play must cease. There is nothing that will kill base ball attendance quicker than "crooked" or inefficient umpiring.

Thursday afternoon of last week the All Nations team, a traveling club of colored gents from Kansas City, met the Corning team on the local diamond, and it was really the best game we have had. Almost perfect base-ball was put up by both teams, and Corning people were pround of the fine showing our boys made against the All Nations aggregation, though we lost by a score of 2 to 0. The two scores made in this game were both in the eighth inning - just one of those little slips that determine airtight games and the two runs came in at the same time.
The All Nations club has John Donaldson, one of the greatest pitchers in baseball, and he officiated in the box against Corning. His color excludes him from the big leagues. He is certainly a wonderful pitcher. The fact that Daniels was pitching almost as good a quality of ball for the Corning boys made the game a really great one. The visiting club also had Joe Mendez in its lineup, and Ty Cobb is the authority for the statement that Mendez is the fastest man in base ball. It was a game worth seeing.

Donaldson Hurls No-Hit Game for All Nations - Pitching for the All Nations baseball club, Donaldson, the negro wonder, defeated Corning, Ia 8 to 4. Donaldson pitched a no-hit game and struck out 15 men. Following in the All-Nations schedule is this locality. The dates are for July."
Click here to read the entire original articles, about John Donaldson's eighth known recorded no-hitter.

Game is announced between Donaldson's Team and Nave-McCords

Batteries: All Nations, Quinn, Donaldson and Foreman

Batteries: All Nations, Durant, Donaldson and Foreman

The All Nations defeated Fairfax, 10 to 0. Batteries: All Nations, Donaldson and Foreman

Batteries: Donaldson and Foreman

1923

All Nations Pitcher Shuts Out Crosby Nine
"Crosby, Minn., June 28 - (Special) - All-Nations mixed ball team swamped the local crew here today by a score of 10 to 0. The story of the game is easily told - too much Pitcher Donaldson and too little hitting by the locals, who could not find the colored twirler from Kansas City. Crosby not only failed to make runs, but failed to hit the big colored boy, who pitched a no-hit, no-run game.

Crosby, Minn., June 29 - Donaldson pitched a no hit, no run game against Crosby yesterday. The All-Nations nine of this city winning 10 to 0.

Donaldson Pitches No-Hit, No-Run Game and Beats Crosby - Perham, Minn., June 30. - (Special to the Herald) - The All Nations baseball team of Kansas City, Mo., defeated the Crosby team 11 to 0 here yesterday afternoon when John Donaldson, pitcher for the All-Nations, hung up his first no-hit, no run game of the season. Donaldson was in perfect form and his control was uncanny. Only two Crosby batsmen reached first base, one on a walk and the other on a fielding error. "
Click here to read the entire original articles, about John Donaldson's ninth known recorded no-hitter.

In a pitchers' battle between John Donaldson of the All Nations, and Doc Juel of Jasper, the All Nations defeated Jasper 3 to nothing Thursday

The pitching of Crawford and Donaldson of All Nations and Collins for legion were outstanding features of the game.

John Donaldson to play at Hand's Park in Lone Rock, Iowa

Donaldson pitched for the All Nations

1924

Struckout, by Bishop 1, by Donaldson 20.
"Earned runs, Bertha 10. Struckout, by Bishop 1, by Donaldson 20. Left on bases, Braves 2, Bertha 6."
Click here to read the original article, a box score, about John Donaldson's tenth known recorded no-hitter.

1925

Donaldson set to play 1st base for C.A.G. (Chicago American Giants)

No hits, no runs, off Donaldson:
"Summary - Two-base hits, Hubb and Donaldson; sacrifice hits, Ellis and Westergarde; two runs, five hits, no earned runs, of Haigh; no hits, no runs, off Donaldson; struck out by Haigh, four, by Donaldson, 19."
Click here to read the original article, a box score, about John Donaldson's eleventh known recorded no-hitter.

1926

Donaldson not to pitch for Minneota this year

Edwards says he is discussing terms with John Donaldson, perhaps the most famous negro pitcher who has ever lived.

Donaldson may pitch for LIsmore this year

Ellsworth Announces Its Baseball Schedule

John Donaldson, famous negro pitcher, who this season is playing with the Lismore, Minn., club will work out with the Ghosts. It is likely that he will take a turn in the box this afternoon.

Lismore has John Donaldson, one of the most famous negro baseball players who ever put on a glove, for its pitcher.

It was a hurling duel between Joe Lotz and Donaldson with the latter having the better of an 11-inning argument.

The Lismore club, with John Donaldson in the box, will be the opposition at the Stock Yards park today.

Lismore loses to Stock Yards club in ragged exhibition

John Donaldson has big following in the West, especially Minnesota

Lone Rock defeated Lismore, driving John Donaldson from the box.

Donaldson Pitches Good Game of Ball
"Hurls a No-Hit No Run Game For Nine Innings But Loses Game in Tenth Inning. - On Thursday of last week the Lismore Gophers went to Boyd, Minn., where they played the Clarkfield team at Boyd's big celebration, and after battling for ten innings, were forced to take a shut-out, the score being 1 to 0.
It was a heart breaking game for Lismore to lose as John Donaldson had a no-hit no-run game to his credit for nine innings, but in the tenth inning Clarkfield shoved over a run when Bend hit a two-bagger over centerfield. This was Clarkfield's first hit of the game, but after two men were out Skoug singled over second base bringing in the lone run that meant the ball game. Clarkfield had only two men on bases during the nine innings both getting on by receiving a base on balls, and only one man got on second base, so one can plainly see why we say it was a heartbreaking game to lose, as Lismore also played errorless ball back of Donaldson. "
Click here to read the original article, including a box score, about John Donaldson's twelfth known recorded no-hitter.

Merrill, Lismore Nines Are to Clash Today

Lismore's baseball team, with John Donaldson pitching, went down to defeat at the hands of the Cherokee players here today by a score of 5 to 4.

John Donaldson, great negro hurler, will be in the box for Lismore.

Juel fanned 11 and Donaldson struck out 13.

Sioux City Stockyards baseball club, with "Doc" Juel pitching, will oppose the Lismore, Minn., aggregation with the famous John Donaldson in the box

1927

John Donaldson Umpires St. Louis Stars Game

Struck out, by Donaldson 9, by Lindblom 4.
"Earned run - Bertha 1. Struck out, by Donaldson 9, by Lindblom 4. Bases on balls: off Donaldson 1, off Lindblom 4."
Click here to read the original article, a box score, about John Donaldson's thirteenth known recorded no-hitter.

1929

The House of David team is barnstorming the country, playing at Kansas City, Wichita, and Pratt. John Donaldson, said to be a high class baseball player, manages the bewhiskered gentlemen.

1930

John takes the mound for Colored House of David

1931

John Donaldson and the Colored House of David Team play in Cottonwood Falls, Iola, Scott City, and about a dozen other Kansas towns.

1932

Globe Trotters Pilot Likes State Floor Game
"Famous Globe-Trotters Here Tomorrow - Famous Five and Morlea to Battle Here - A.M. Saperstein Hopes to Revive Noted Chicago Union Giants - Ranks Present Team Next to Renaissance Outfit of New York. - A. M. Saperstein, shrewd manager of the Harlem Globe-Trotters, sensational negro basketball team that will play against the Morlea five at the new high school gym here tomorrow night, rates Minnesota basketball high.
Saperstein has seen the game in all sections of the country from the hotbed of the sport in Indiana to the great independent ranks of New Jersey and the rugged Big Ten competition. The Globe-Trotters are noted for the dazzling cleverness in ball handling and have a fine record of the past two years in barnstorming through Minnesota cities. Last year the Trotters met and defeated the Morleas here, 45 to 31. The two teams will meet again, this time on a big floor, and it is expected a great crowd will turn out to see this sensational team and just what the home club can do.
The following article was taken from the sports section of the Minneapolis Journal regarding A. M. Saperstein, the Harlem pilot:
Plenty of Rookies - With Headquarters in Chicago Saperstein sets out every year to improve the brand of his team's play. He has nearly 100 boys working out all year from which he picks recruits and there is believed only one negro team in the country which rates higher, that being the Renaissance outfit of New York City.
'Basketball is growing every year,' he said the other day. 'I think the strongest independent teams are found around New Jersey and New York state, the hardest basketball in the big Ten and the greatest high school basketball and class in Indiana.'
'The Globe-Trotters win a great majority of their games and they are prime favorites with the bugs in the out-state basketball hotbeds where basketball has come to be well organized, well conducted and well played. He likes to think of the Indiana state tournament which is held either in the Indianapolis Auditorium or the field house and Butler university which seats 15,000 and whose 15,000 seats are often sold out the night of the final game.' Saperstein has played and coached for many years although he can't be called a veteran as some veterans go. He carries only five men with his Harlems and that is all he needs for the club has harmony, skill and rigid training rules.
A Real Revival - He has one ambition for this summer which he is now working on. He is planning a 'revival' of the Union Giants of Chicago which, under the late Rube Foster was the greatest negro (baseball) team of all time and which also had on its roster John Donaldson of Minneapolis. Those Giants were rated easily good enough for the major leagues and they had classic battles with the Kansas City Monarchs. Many of their latter-day players are still active. There are any number of good negro players who are available and if present plans go through this wonder club will again be in action, taking its spring training and challenging the best in the country.

John Donaldson and his All Stars play at Hand's Park in Fairmont, Minnesota against Corwith, Iowa.

1936

John Donaldson now manager of Schultz Bakery Co. Retail Store

1939

The Negro in Sports
by Edwin Bancroft Henderson

"Some of the players in professional circles who will go down in history as all-time immortals in baseball's hall of fame are the following: Pitchers: Joseph Williams, Richard Redding, David Brown, Rube Foster, William Foster, and Satchel Paige
Others derserving honerable mention are: Pitchers: Andrew "Stringbean" Williams, Frank Wickware, 'Bullet' Rogan, John Donaldson."

1942

MLB Commissioner Kenesaw M. Landis says "Blacks are not barred from Organized baseball"

1948

The Monarchs were named by one of the greatest pitchers that ever lived, white or black, said Mr. Wilkinson. This pitcher was the great left-hander named John Donaldson from Glasgow, Missouri.
"Donaldson suggested the name 'Monarchs' one day when we were feeling around for a name to give to a re-organization of the All-Nations team," said Wilkinson. "Right away the name sounded good and we adopted it."
Donaldson at that time was a member of the All-Nations team, which Wilkinson started in 1908. This club was a traveling outfit composed of about 30 people, five of the regular players were Negroes, said Mr. Wilkinson.
"The All-Nations team traveled in a special private car in those days," said Wilkinson. "We all ate, slept and played together. There was never any trouble. We were a happy family."
The former Monarch boss said that the star of the All-Nations was Donaldson.
Click here to read the article.

John Donaldson mentioned as a comparable pitcher to Satchel Paige

John Donaldson mentioned in article about Rube Foster

1949

John Donaldson hired as a scout for the Chicago White Sox

Donaldson scouts Earl Taborn and Bob Thurman for the White Sox

1950

John Donaldson renews his scouting contract with the Chicago White Sox

White Sox buy two players scouted by Donaldson

1951

John Donaldson, mentioned as scout for Chicago American League White Sox

John Donaldson attends banquet at Grambling University

John Donaldson watches Grambling win their baseball game

Donaldson, as White Sox Scout, signs two Grambling players

"Major League Scouts to Watch East-West Game"
"Others expected included John Donaldson and a couple of Chicago American League scouts, two from the Chicago Cubs..."

1952

1952 Pittsburgh Courier Poll of the Greatest Black Players

1953

Funeral for fellow ball player of John Donaldson

Newt Joseph passes away, is a fellow player of John Donaldson

Donaldson mentioned as former player for the Kansas City Monarchs

1955

Donaldson mentioned among great batteries

1956

Donaldson attends picnic

1957

John Donaldson and the Old Ball Players Club

John Donaldson attends dance for charity

Mrs. John Donaldson attends Old Ball Players Club charity event

1960

John Donaldson attends luncheon honoring Al Smith

1961

John Donaldson and Old Ball Players Club honor Minoso

1962

Old Ball Players Club meets in Chicago

John Donaldson attends Indianapolis Clowns Game

Donaldson attends Indianapolis Clowns Game

1963

John Donaldson mentioned as a notable Major League Scout

Al Solum (Red Sox) calls J. Donaldson "best pitcher I ever faced."

1967

John Donaldson among old ball players at Indianapolis Game

1969

John Donaldson mentioned among great "Old Time Negro Stars"

1970

John Donaldson's obituary

1971

John Donaldson mentioned among list of notable pitchers

1994

Turkey Stearnes and the Detroit Stars: the negro leagues in Detroit, 1919-1933
by Richard Bak

"Mendez was complemented by southpaw John Donaldson, a tall, slender Missouri native who had previously starred on the All-Nations club with Mendez. Utilizing a whiplash curve, he was a strikeout artist who had pitched three straight no-hitters. Donaldson's hitting ability made him a regular outfielder on days when he wasn't pitching."

2002

Blackball, the Black Sox, and the Babe: Baseball's crucial 1920 season
by Robert Cottrell

"Racial Barriers alone kept a host of black baseball players, then in their prime, out of the big leagues. Among those who were considered to be the equal of the very best major leaguers included pitchers John Donaldson, Frank Wickware, Jose Mendez, Smokey Joe Williams, Dick "Cannonball" Redding, shortstop John Henry Lloyd, and catcher Bruce Petway. Donaldson had recently thrown 30 consecutive hitless innings and had struck out 25 batters in a 12 inning contest. John McGraw had reputedly indicated, "If Donaldson were a white man, or if the unwritten law of baseball didn't bar negroes from the major leagues, I would give $50,000 for him - and think I was getting a bargain."

Baseball game a feature of 1927 Lindbergh Homecoming
Morrison County Record, August 11, 2002

Modeling themselves after the success of tiny Bertha, the Little Falls management asked John Donaldson to personally recommend a pitcher and catcher. Donaldson endorsed a pitcher from Philadelphia named Webster McDonald and a receiver named John Van."

2004

How Lismore came to save Twins, take them to World Series win by Ray Crippen
Worthington Globe, 2004

"The Donaldsons were part of the Lismore social scene. The Lismore Leader reported in August the nephew, Flifton Watson, 'was honored at a farewell party last Friday afternoon at the John Donaldson home when a number of his friends pleasantly surprised him'..."

"One Diamond At A Time" by Peter W. Gorton
Pete Gorton's Article highlighting some key times during John Donaldson's career, including an important set of games with Lehigh and Fort Dodge, Iowa.

2005

Beyond a Barrier
Marshall Independent, Marshall, MN, May 7, 2005

"...Marshall had one of the best records against the All Nations team in Minnesota."

John Donaldson Day - June 11
The Glasgow Missourian, Glasgow, Howard County, MO, Thursday, June 9, 2005

"Donaldson was the renowned baseball pitcher who was born in Glasgow and because of (Major League) baseball's 'color barrier' went on to become a superstar in baseball's Negro League and with semi-pro baseball teams in various parts of the country."

Glasgow to celebrate John Wesley Donaldson Day
The Democrat-Leader, Fayette, MO, June 11, 2005

"The six-foot southpaw became somewhat of an underground superstar with his power and accuracy."

Glasgow honors Donaldson
Columbia Tribune, Columbia, MO, June 12, 2005

Hall of Fame might be next for pitcher.
'Glasgow declared yesterday "John Wesley Donaldson Day," held a ceremony with three guest speakers and two films..."

Glasgow celebrates John Wesley Donaldson Day
The Democrat-Leader, The Fayette Advertiser, Fayette, MO, June 15, 2005

"John Ward knew Donaldson as a child and spoke with him a few years before his death in 1970. He shared memories such as receiving his first baseball glove from the baseball great."

Baseball book re-united teacher, student
Railroad Days/All School Reunion Celebration, Supplement to Staples World, Staples, MN, August 18, 2005

"...the pair set up a reunion, meeting for the first time in 11 years. At that meeting, Hoffbeck convinced Gorton to do some researching for him for the next book project."

"Swinging for the Fences" includes former alumni, coaches
Staples World, Staples, MN, August 2005

"Through Gorton's work, Donaldson will receive some consideration for inclusion in Baseball's Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, in the upcoming year as a committee examines the records of various black players."

His shot at the Hall
Marshall Independent, Marshall, MN, December 17, 2005

"Thanks to a fan who never saw him play, Donaldson has a shot at the Hall of Fame."

2006

Pre-Negro Leagues Candidate Profile: John Wesley Donaldson
Negro Leagues and Pre-Negro Leagues Election page for the Baseball Hall of Fame, Authored by Dick Clark

"John Donaldson was the premier barnstorming left-handed pitcher in Black baseball circles during his career."

Alan Muchlinski's paper on John Donaldson (updated 6-18-2006)
Baseball researcher Alan Muchlinksi has not only allowed us to republish a great work he first finished in 2002 and then updated in 2006. Mr. Muchlinski has also been an inspiration and an integral part in the research of John Donaldson. He had the first comprehensive review of John Donaldson's career (especially 1924 to 1932), playing semi-professional baseball in the Upper Midwest.

Baseball Hall of Fame candidate once played in Langdon
Cavalier County Republican, Langdon, North Dakota, February 2006

Researcher uncovers the legend of great black pitcher John Donaldson "July 11, 1916, one of the best pitchers in black baseball history visited a ball field in Langdon to play the local team."

Huron hosts HOF-worthy hurler
Huron Plainsman, Huron, SD, February 2006

"Although Donaldson was past the pinnacle of his career, he still shutout the Huron team, giving up six hits and recording three strikeouts in a 14-0 win."

Baseball great once pitched in Mason City
Mason City Globe Gazette, Mason City, IA, February 6, 2006

"...depending on how the voting goes on Feb. 27, a man with a Mason City connection may be in the Hall of Fame."

Seek information on black ball player at Brinsmade in 1915
Benson County Farmers Press, Minnewaukan, ND, Wednesday, February 8, 2006

"On June 20, 1915 Donaldson and the All Nations arrived in Brinsmade. The locals were ready for the cosmopolitan travelers with the colossal reputation."

Famed pitcher John Wesley Donaldson may be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame
Ivanhoe Times, Ivanhoe, Minnesota, Thursday, February 9, 2006

"Towns of only a few hundred in Minnesota would pack in crowds of 10,000 fans or more to see Donaldson pitch."

Restoring the lost legacy of a baseball giant
LeMars Daily Sentinel, LeMars, IA, February 15, 2006

"Although Donaldson never gained the full recognition for his pitching skills during his lifetime and was never admitted into major-league baseball during his career, he made history by becoming the first full-time black talent scout in the big leagues for the Chicago White Sox in 1949."

Black star's story deserves tellingby Gordon Wittenmyer, Pioneer Press
Pioneer Press, St. Paul, MN, February 20, 2006

"You start to look at the history of the game, and you turn around, and he's (John Donaldson's) everywhere. It's hard to imagine this story could be so lost."

One of the world's greatest baseball pitcher of all time threw against the Kenmare team 91 years ago
The Kenmare News, Kenmare, ND, February 22, 2006

"The game was witnessed by one of the largest crowds out to a game this season, many being in attendance from Norma, Niobe, and Bowbells."

Melrose part of John Wesley Donaldson's unique career
Melrose Beacon, Melrose, Stearns County, MN, February 25, 2006

"He pitched a complete game allowing only three hits - and no batter went farther than second base."

Hall of Fame nomination for famous barnstormer pitcher
Battle Lake Review, Battle Lake, MN, Friday, March 1, 2006

"Donaldson's story was hidden away in hundreds of local newspaper stories..."

Lost legend once took the mound in Eldora
Eldora Herald-Ledger, Eldora, IA, Tuesday, March 14, 2006

"The story might seem only peripherally about this community, but once you start checking the old newspapers from 1911, a fascinating picture reveals of an Eldora that took its baseball very, very seriously..."

Lefty pitcher convinced Hall of Fame he was worth watching...
Albert Lea Tribune, Albert Lea, MN, Friday, March 31, 2006

"Maybe in the future John Donaldson will again be considered for inclusion in the Baseball Hall of Fame..."

Early 1900s famous pitcher mows 17 Aberdeen batters
Aberdeen News, Aberdeen, SD, Saturday, July 29, 2006

"There was a time when just about everyone in South Dakota - including Aberdeen - knew the name and fame of John Wesley Donaldson."

Direct Connection to Cooperstown
The Daily Courier, Prescott, AZ, Sunday, July 30, 2006

"...All Nation's pitcher John Donaldson, whom Wilkinson considered among the top 5..."

A legend unknown gets his due
The Journal, New Ulm, MN, Sunday, July 30, 2006

"The All Nations was a great team because they played every day against the best competition they could find and because they featured (Jose) Mendez and John Donaldson, a great black hurler from Missouri, as their starting pitchers."

2008

Black History Month features baseball presentations
The Delta, Missouri Valley College, Marshall, MO, February 22, 2008

"He (Donaldson) was a great ball player but an equally great man."

2009

Tweed Webb - He's Seen Em All by Jay Feldman
Society for American Baseball Research - Research Journal Archives

"Almost nobody knows about John Donaldson; Chester Brewer; Bullet Rogan; Turkey Stearnes, who hit as many home runs as anybody..."

It's time John Donaldson got his due by Bill Clark
Columbia Tribune, Columbia, MO, Friday, November 13, 2009

"He (John Donaldson) left an amazing record along the way, once throwing 30 consecutive hitless innings; fanning 30 in an 18-inning game he lost..."

John and Eleanor Donaldson Burr Oak Maps from Linda Swisher
Burr Oak Cemetery, Chicago, IL, November 19, 2009

"The resting place of Donaldson, John is located at Section 7, Row 17, Grave 97, Lot 1, Date of Death 4/14/1970"

An Analysis of the 1952 Pittsburgh Courier Negro League Baseball Poll by J. Fredrico Brillhart
Fred Brillhart analyzes a document considered pivotal to researchers working on some of the best players in the Negro Leagues.

2010

Exerpt from Baseball Past and Present posted on June 7, 2010 An updated web posting on the ongoing effort of the John Donaldson Network

2011

A Midwestern Pastime: A look at race, John Donaldson, and baseball in the Midwest An essay written by Andy Hewitt