Unassuming and modest, Leon Day was one of the greatest pitchers of his day. The Negro League stalwart made 9 East-West All Star Games according to BaseballReference.com.
His ten campaigns in the Negro Leagues included a .704 winning percentage. Day missed two full seasons while serving his country in World War II. When he returned in 1946, Day was at his best.
As the Newark Eagles Opening Day starter, Day threw a no-hitter agains the Philadelphia Stars. His excellence continued as Day’s league-leading 13 wins complimented a 2.37 ERA. His 15 starts included a league bests in complete games (14) and shutouts (2). His performance helped the Eagles capture the Negro League World Series title.
When he wasn’t pitching, Day could be found playing the infield or the outfield. A career .314 hitter, Day boasted a career 119 OPS+.
According to the Hall of Fame, fellow Cooperstown man Monte Irvin compared Day favorably to Bob Gibson.
“People don’t know what a great pitcher Leon Day was. He was as good or better than Bob Gibson. He was a better fielder, a better hitter, could run like a deer. When he pitched against Satchel, Satchel didn’t have an edge. You thought Don Newcombe could pitch. You should have seen Day! One of the best complete athletes I’ve ever seen.”
Shown here is a check made out to and endorsed by Leon Day. Day was a willing signer through the mail as interest in the Negro League players gained momentum. Notice the August 6, 1990 date on the check and the note “A Future Hall of Famer” written on the bottom left.
An image of Day’s signature endorsing the check can be seen in the next property. He signed it a full five years before his Cooperstown induction.