From the RVA 100: 100 people, places, things that you should know about Richmond series
Ray Dandridge was born in Church Hill in 1913.
He played baseball in the Negro Leagues beginning in 1933 and was one of countless Black players denied the chance to gain fame and riches, because Black players were barred from the major leagues. Nicknamed "Squat" because of his short, thick body, Dandridge was a flashy yet smooth third baseman and a strong contact hitter.
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After the major leagues integrated, Dandridge signed with a minor league team for the New York Giants and was named league MVP. But the Giants never called him up -- Dandridge was 35 years old and past his prime. Instead, they promoted an ascendant, young teammate named Willie Mays.
Dandridge was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987, and he died in 1994.
"Thanks for letting me smell the roses," he said in his acceptance speech. "But my only question is: What took you so long?"
RVA 100: 100 people, places, things that you should know about Richmond
The RVA 100 are the people, places, things that make Richmond so special. The Times-Dispatch will be highlighting 100 quintessential Richmond...
-- Eric Kolenich
-- Eric Kolenich
In this Series RVA 100: 100 people, places, things that you should know about Richmond Oct 31, 2024 RVA 100: The ghost at the governor's mansion Oct 29, 2024 RVA 100: A jolly Richmond legend since 1936 71 updates Previous Next Eric Kolenich
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