Editor’s note: The games in the Negro Leagues Diamond Gems Tournament are being played with Strat-o-Matic cards and dice. The designated hitter will not be used for any games. Injuries will only be used during the game when they occur.
Joe Black tossed a five-hitter as the 1949 Baltimore Elite Giants earned a spot in the championship game in the Negro Leagues Diamond Gems B Tournament.
With the 6-1 victory over the 1943 Homestead Grays, the Elite Giants will travel to face the 1935 New York Cubans for the title.
Black (1-0) went the distance for Baltimore walking five and fanning six as he allowed a run in the fourth on a sacrifice fly by Sam Bankhead.
A power surge in the third inning against Homestead strter Spoon Carter was the difference for Baltimore as Tommy Butts hammered a two-run homer before Ed Finney drove in three with a long ball to make it 5-0.
Baltimore’s final tally came in the fifth against Edsall Walker as Butch Davis added a RBI single.
Carter (0-1) worked three frames allowing eight hits with a walk and three strikeouts. Walker went the final six innings giving up four hits with a pair of walks and four strikeouts.
Negro Leagues Diamond Gems B Tournament
Championship
1949 Baltimore Elite Giants at 1935 New York Cubans
Semifinals
1935 New York Cubans 3, 1942 Kansas City Monarchs 2
1949 Baltimore Elite Giants 6, 1943 Homestead Grays 1
First Round Results
1935 New York Cubans 3, 1920 Detroit Stars 2
1942 Kansas City Monarchs 4, 1933 Indianapolis American Giants 2
1943 Homestead Grays 5, 1928 St. Louis Stars 1
1949 Baltimore Elite Giants 9, 1934 Philadelphia Stars 2