Otha Bailey was one of the original Negro Leagues baseball players. Born in Huntsville , Madison Co., AL. , The right-handed batting and throwing catcher made it out of the sandlots and into the Negro League, making a name for himself. He played for the Birmingham Black Barons, Chattanooga Choo-Choos, Cleveland Buckeyes, Houston Eagles and the New Orleans Eagles from 1949 until 1959. He was known to everyone as "L'il Catch".

His 150-lb , 5'6" frame may have cost him position with several of the Major League Teams. The scrappy little catcher had an accurate arm and was quick behind the plate, often beating the runner to first base while backing up a play. He also called a good game, studying the opposing hitters during batting practice to learn their weaknesses. He was fast enough to steal a few bases, and was a line-drive hitter without much power. In 1952, he found a spot on the Birmingham Black Barons' roster for the remainder of the decade. However, during these years the Negro Leagues were no longer quality leagues. One of the pitchers on the ballclub was Charlie Pride, who later became a country music star.

During the early 1950s, he barnstormed against major leaguers and was scouted by the Boston Red Sox, but his size was against him. On another occasion, he overslept and missed his tryout with the Dodgers. Finally, in 1959, he left baseball and took a regular job with Connor Steel in Birmingham.

His Baseball Career Highlights:

"I hit one home run in my career, the rest were against the fence. I caught three no-hitters in my lifetime and called all the shots. I was chosen for two East-West All Star Games and I started each one of them."

His Professional/Personal Accomplishments:

When Bailey left the Negro Leagues, he worked at H. K. Porter Steel Company until he retired after 24 years of service. After his retirement, he worked at Steel City Olds.

His Awards, Honors, Titles, Championships,

Schools, Colleges:

"In Birmingham, Alabama, I was honored by Wenonah High School for my contributions to their reunions. I received a trophy from Bethel Baptist Church for being a Negro Leagues baseball legend. Also, I received two keys to the City of Birmingham."

Sources:

NLBM Legacy 2000 Players' Reunion Alumni Book, Kansas City Missouri: Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc., 2000.

James A. Riley, The Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Baseball Leagues, New York: Carroll & Graf Publishers, Inc.,

Otha "L'il Catch" Bailey