Candy Jim Taylor

James Allen "Candy Jim" Taylor (February 1 1884 - April 3 1948) was an American third baseman and manager in Negro league baseball.

Born in Anderson, South Carolina, Taylor was one of four brothers who played in the Negro Leagues, along with Ben, C. I. and "Steel Arm" Johnny. He made his professional debut at the age of 19 and spent his entire adult life in the game of baseball, playing primarily at third base. In 1916, he helped the Indianapolis ABC's to win the Black World Championship.

A disciplinarian and a master strategist, as manager Taylor led the St. Louis Stars to their first championship in 1928. The Great Depression took its toll on the economics of the game, and while managing the 1933 Richmond All-Stars, Taylor was forced to sell the team bus, and later had to send the players home.

In 1943 Taylor managed the Homestead Grays to their first Negro League World Series title, repeating their success again the following year.

Candy Jim Taylor died at age 64 in Chicago, Illinois and was interred in the Burr Oak Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.

External links

* [http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/hofers_and_honorees/taylor_candy_jim.htm Baseball Hall of Fame candidate biography]