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Meet the Players :: Frank Marsh

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Name: Frank (Lefty) Marsh
DOB: January 9, 1931
Birthplace: Mobile, Alabama
Birmingham Black Barons 1954-1956
Kansas City Monarchs 1957-1958
Detroit Stars 1959
 

Position: first base Bats: left Throws: left



Frank grew up with two sisters in Mobile, Alabama. His mom was the backbone of their family. She was a loving Christian woman devoted to raising her children. His mothers dedication proved very rewarding for Frank, in fact he stated that "We had everything we needed... the extras, well, we just learned to do without them." Growing up in such a warm and caring environment gave him the confidence he needed to create a very fulfilling life for himself.

Frank attended Williamson Elementary School, and somewhere around the fourth grade he began to realize that his interest in sports was much more intense than the other kids. By the time he was a freshman attending Dunbar High School he was a starting player on both the football and baseball teams. It was in his sophomore year though now enrolled at Central High School that he realized it would be baseball that would win his heart. He had an overwhelming desire to play. In 1949, his senior year almost complete, and college baseball at the forefront of his mind, it would be a dream come true that he was offered scholarships to several colleges.

Grambling University is where "Lefty" chose to pursue his secondary studies. His interest in baseball grew as his talent was tested on the fields of the SWAC (South-West Athletic Conference).

The US Army drafted Frank in 1951 but he chose to enlist in the US Air Force and was assigned to the Air Force Headquarters Squadron - Special Services. He performed line item supply duties at Lacklin AFB before being transferred to Wichita Kansas. While in Wichita he was given the opportunity to lace up his cleats, and put on his glove, and take to the military baseball diamond. It was an exciting time for Frank, but he was eventually transferred to France and took advantage of an early release program.

Frank returned to Mobile, Alabama with his friend Jesse Thomas. Jesse contacted a scout for the St. Louis Cardinals Organization named Quincy Troup and arranged a try-out for Frank. Marsh, however would find his way into the Johnson City Cardinals line-up. While at that time segregation and the effects of a racially charged society proved to be overwhelming for many, Frank would not be distracted. He remained focused on his future. In 1954 he arrived in Birmingham, Alabama to play for the Black Barons. He played in Birmingham through the 1956 season and crossed over to play for the rival Kansas City Monarchs in 1957 and 1958. In 1959, he played for fellow NLB Living Legend and Detroit Stars owner Ted Rasberry. This was his last year in the Negro League. At season's end he closed the doors on his baseball career.

Education was extremely important to Frank. After leaving baseball, he continued his education by re-enrolling at Grambling University where he achieved a degree in social studies and physical education.

Frank "Lefty" Marsh returned to the Mobile, Alabama community where he was a teacher for twenty years.


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