Wabishaw Spencer Wiley (February 1, 1887 – November 3, 1944), nicknamed "Doc", was a catcher in Negro league baseball. He played from 1910 to 1924.[2]
| Wabishaw Wiley | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Catcher | |
| Born: February 1, 1887 Vernon, Louisiana | |
| Died: November 3, 1944 (aged 57) Jersey City, New Jersey | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| Negro leagues debut | |
| 1909, Birmingham Giants | |
| Last appearance | |
| 1924, New York Lincoln Giants | |
| Teams | |
|
Baseball career edit
Wiley was born on February 1, 1877, in Vernon, Louisiana. He began his career in 1910 as a catcher for the West Baden Sprudels. He then played for the Brooklyn Royal Giants in 1910 and 1911 before moving on to the New York Lincoln Giants. In 1913, he had a batting average of .398. The following season, he batted .418. He also batted .441 in 1918. Wiley, who caught Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Cyclone Joe Williams, was considered one of the best catchers of his era. His career ended in 1924.[2]
Personal life edit
Wiley graduated from the Howard University School of Dentistry. He practiced dentistry during his baseball career and had offices in New Jersey.[2]
During World War I, Wiley volunteered for military service. He was discharged in 1919. He died in 1944 in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Wiley was a member of The Historic Alpha Lodge No. 116, the first integrated Freemasonic lodge in the United States. Alpha Lodge No. 116 is under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. He served in various positions, becoming Master of the lodge in 1934.
Wiley received votes listing him on the 1952 Pittsburgh Courier player-voted poll of the Negro leagues' best players ever.[3]
Wiley was a member of The Historic Alpha Lodge No. 116, the first Masonic lodge composed primarily of African-Americans and recognized by the State Grand Lodge systems in the United States. Alpha Lodge No. 116 is under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. He served in various positions, becoming Master of his lodge in 1934.
References edit
External links edit
- Career statistics and player information from Baseball Reference and Seamheads
- Wabishaw Wiley at Arkansas Baseball Encyclopedia