Professional Baseball Players

Joplin's Baseball Legends

Alton B. Clay, born in Joplin on February 23, 1924, was a standout athlete who graduated from Baxter Springs, Kansas High School in 1942. During his high school years, he excelled in baseball, basketball, and football. After serving in World War II as a Sergeant from 1943 to 1946, Clay launched his professional baseball career with the Joplin Rockets of the Independent Negro League in 1947. He later played for the New York Black Yankees, Atlanta Black Crackers, remaining active in the sport into the 1950s. He participated in the 1958 Treece, Kansas National Baseball Congress World Series and was part of the local softball scene after his professional career. Clay passed away on August 15, 1998, and is buried in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin. When he passed away ESPN ran his name at the bottom of the screen.

Marvin Vincent Barker, known as Hack, was born in Joplin, Missouri, on February 13, 1912. He made his debut in 1935 with the Newark Dodgers and spent 12 seasons with the New York Black Yankees, a team he also managed from 1945 to 1948. Barker was a notable outfielder who was selected to play in the East–West All-Star Game in 1940, 1945, and 1948. During his career, he played alongside legendary players such as Satchel Paige, Cool Papa Bell, Roy Campanella, Larry Doby, and Jackie Robinson, whose integration of Major League Baseball in 1946 marked a significant victory for the Leagues. 

Curtis Palmer, a leftfielder who played in 1945, was part of this vibrant era. Notably, Alton Clay and Ernest Palmer both returned from professional play to join their coach, JL Thomas, who led the Joplin Rockets. 

Community and Legacy

Joplin’s Pro players played a vital role in local sports history, often competing in games at Miners Park and practicing at Ewert Park. Ewert also hosted games featuring the Blue Jeans women's team and MSSU's women's softball team, highlighting Joplin's rich softball and baseball community. Their legacy continues through community efforts to preserve the history of baseball and its players, who broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of athletes.