Henry Kimbro
| Birthdate | 2/10/1912 |
| Death Date | 7/11/1999 |
| Debut Year | 1937 |
| Year of Induction | |
| Teams | Negro Leagues |
| Position | Center Field |
In his prime Henry Kimbro was the Negro Leagues’ finest center fielder; the leadoff man played 13 seasons with the Baltimore Elite Giants.
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A six-time East-West Game All Star, Henry Kimbro was consistently among the Negro Leagues' leaders in many offensive categories
A six-time East-West Game All Star, Henry Kimbro was consistently among the Negro Leagues' leaders in many offensive categories
A 5’8″ 175 pound spark plug, Henry Kimbro was the finest Negro League center fielder of his day. Kimbro broke in with the Baltimore Elite Giants in 1937 and played professionally until 1953.
Blessed with blazing speed, Kimbro had great range in the field. Offensively Kimbro also used his legs to his advantage. The line-drive hitter often hit balls into the gap for extra bases. Once on base, Kimbro was a constant threat to steal.
Kimbro was often among the Negro League leaders in a variety of offensive categories. In various seasons during his prime, Kimbro led the league in steals, runs, and doubles. He also finished in the top 5 in batting average, and homers multiple times.
During the winters, Kimbro starred in Cuba. In 1947 he set a Cuban winter league mark with 104 hits. That same year Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby broke the big league color barrier. Kimbro was not viewed as a possible big leaguer. In his mid-30s by the time the Major Leagues was integrated, Kimbro was known as a man unwilling to turn the other cheek.
He continued to play professionally until age 41. After retiring from the game, Kimbro purchased a gas station and opening a cab company. These endeavors allowed him to put four of his children through college.
In 1993 Kimbro was among the Negro League players honored by Major League Baseball at the All Star game at Baltimore’s Camden Yards. He passed away six years later at the age of 87.
In 2005, the Hall of Fame organized the Committee on African-American Baseball with the intent of inducting worthy players. Written submissions from fans, former Negro League players, and committee members were taken.
The list of recommended players was whittled down to 94 players for consideration. Kimbro was among them. Eventually the committee voted in 17 African-American players from the Negro Leagues and the pre-Negro League era.
Should more Negro League players be voted into Cooperstown, it stands to reason they would be from this recommended list.
In the collection is Henry Kimbro’s signature on heavy card stock.
