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.
The Strat-o-Matic Game Company has incorporated the Negro Leagues players and statistics for over a decade.
Recently with the release of the Negro Leagues Diamond Gems Set, eight of the greatest teams were added into the mix featuring several National Baseball Hall of Fame inductees.
Press Room Pass will be playing an single elimination event with the squads called the Negro Leagues Diamond Gems Tournament.
Although the eight teams range from 1916 to 1945, something that readers will notice is that several players are members of more than one squad.
For example, Hall of Fame members Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson are teammates on the 1931 Homestead Grays and the 1936 Pittsburgh Crawfords. In the interest of allowing each team to have the greatest opportunity to win the tournament, it’s possible a player will be competing against himself.
Another Hall of Fame legend is Oscar Charleston, who is a pitcher and outfielder for the 1922 Indianapolis ABCs. By 1931, Charleston was an infielder for the 1931 Homestead Grays. It’s possible that at some point, Charleston could be pitching to himself and that’s a unique part of Strat-o-matic.
The other five teams in the tournament are the 1916 Chicago American Giants, 1924 Hilldale Athletic Club, 1938 Kansas City Monarchs, 1944 Birmingham Black Barons and finally the 1945 Cleveland Buckeyes.
Negro Leagues Diamond Gems Tournament
First Round
1936 Pittsburgh Crawfords at 1916 Chicago American Giants
1944 Birmingham Black Barons at 1924 Hilldale Athletic Club
1938 Kansas City Monarchs at 1922 Indianapolis ABCs
1945 Cleveland Buckeyes at 1931 Homestead Grays