Middleton, Wayne Lefty 1976-07-12

Wayne "Lefty" Middleton discusses West Texas baseball, his baseball career, and changes in the sport over 50 years.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Wayne "Lefty" Middleton

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: July 12, 1976

Location: Amarillo, Texas

Interviewer: Steven Gamble

Length: 45 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Early history, One of first "big bonus" players, Baseball career, Playing for Oil Belt League, Salary cut with Decatur, Texas team, Bibb Faulk, Joined Amarillo team (1925), Hardin-Simmons University (1920s), Dirty tricks in baseball, Pitching rules, Hardin-Simmons’ competitors, Texas Oil Belt League, Salary, Business sponsorship, Cleveland, Ohio team (1921), Amarillo tournament, House of David (team), Amarillo Sandies, Expenses of baseball team, Minority support of Amarillo Sandies, Minority membership on teams, Cleveland Giants Texas training camp, Importance of rivalry, Fewer leagues today.

Tape 1, Side 2: Local players to major leagues, Contract break with Gold Sox, Hardin-Simmons (1920s), Sports, Scholarships, Sherrie Smith, Brooklyn, New York (1921), Changes in baseball over 50 years.

Range Dates: 1921-1976

Bulk Dates: 1920s

Access Information

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