15 players, 1 vehicle mentioned
1930 – Florida Stars (Sunshine Babies) –St. Petersburg based -Florida Champs
Barnstormed through Florida opposing the Clowns
Also barnstormed further away – car fell into the Susquehanna River travelling between Philly (DC?) and Baltimore injuring a few and sending the others into shock – only mentioned 1 vehicle, 15 players – Players repoted that the brakes failed on an incline
Manager Amos Evans Age 23
Fred Lawson Age 27 P Alfred “Pop” Howard
Ephriam Williams Age 21 M. A. Sturgers
OF/P Copper Knee Thompson Age 21 P Leo “Preacher” Henry
OF Amos Harris 3B Howard Williams
C Goldie M. Thompson 1B/C John Pelham
OF Ezell Hector Mgr ? James Smith
C George Williams William Walker
Othello ‘Moon Priest” Renfro SS
Others on the trip:
2B Launder Stanton SS Fred Johnson
P Lefty Holmes C Sturgis
2B Stanley 3B Weeks
Notes:
Howard and Holmes played for John Henry Lloyd’s New York Lincoln Giants in ’29
Preacher Henry appeared across 9 seasons with the Red Caps and the Clowns
Goldie Thompson was only about 14 years old and did not play much in ’30, he would later become the regular catcher. Baseball got himscholarship opportunities to college which allowed him to become an ordained minister. Goldie was a popular DJ for 22 years with a highly rated Gospel music show. He also booked many Gospel acts in St. Petersburg at locales including the famed Manhattan Casino. Thompson also served as an umpire in the Florida State Negro League.
Copper Knee Thompson – may be his real name – that is what is on his grave marker. He played for the Newark Bears a few games and there is a letter from Abe Manley asking him to join a tour.