Ted "Double Duty" Radcliffe (Finding Aid)

Ted "Double Duty" Radcliffe

1902 - 2005

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Fish and Ham

Favorite Time of Year: Summer

Favorite Vacation Spot: Mexico

Interview Length: 71 minutes

Interview Date(s): June 16, 2001

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Ted Radcliffe recalls his parents and his siblings and then discusses the origin of his nickname, 'Double Duty.' Then, he recalls his earliest memory as a child and his first job in baseball. Next, he introduces his long relationship with fellow ballplayer Satchel Paige. Radcliffe details his move from Mobile, Alabama to Chicago and talks about various jobs he held. He then speaks about his early baseball career with the Illinois Giants and tells about other teams he played for. Ted Radcliffe speaks briefly about his wife and then recalls players who shared the field with him during his early days in the league. Ted 'Double Duty' Radcliffe remembers some of his favorite games that he played in. He talks about being a teammate to Satchel Paige and opposing Ty Cobb. He mentions his unique skill of being a pitcher and a catcher. Radcliffe briefly talks about playing against Babe Ruth and then gives specifics on teams he played for in the 1920s and 1930s. He talks about the salaries he received as he moved up the ranks in the league and compares his earnings to Satchel Paige's. Ted Radcliffe holds his fingers to the camera and shows the wear and tear from a forty-eight year baseball career. He then talks briefly about being a player/manager. Next, Radcliffe discusses his baseball career in the 1940s and about African Americans making strides in professional baseball. He then talks in depth about his relationship with Jackie Robinson on and off the field. Ted Radcliffe recalls the demise of the Negro Baseball Leagues and talks about Ernie Banks. Ted 'Double Duty' Radcliffe remembers fellow baseball players Hank Aaron and Ernie Banks. He then talks about the differences between modern athletes and ones from his time. Then, he names some current baseball players who he enjoys. Radcliffe discusses some of the philosophies and strategies he used while playing and mentions his ever-present love of the game. Radcliffe tells a story about a career highlight and then lists the U.S. Presidents who he's met. He talks about what he'd like his legacy to be. Next, he speaks about a time when his parents saw him play baseball in Chicago and about the importance of parents as role models. Ted Radcliffe discusses his pride in being black. He then is shown gripping a baseball and talks about some of the pitches he could throw. Following is a selection of photographs from Ted Radcliffe's career.

41 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)