Best known as a Hall of Fame pitcher (1934-1957) for the Baltimore Black Sox, Newark Eagles, and Baltimore Elite Giants, as well as teams in Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Cuba, and Venezuela, Leon Day (1916-1995) often was compared with the more flamboyant Satchel Paige whom he beat in three of four meetings. Day excelled at all positions except catcher and was feared as much for his hitting (.300 plus career batting average) as his pitching. A record seven-time Negro Leagues All-Star and holder of the All-Star games strikeout record, he served as a private in World War II, ducking German bullets on Utah Beach. During retirement, he married the love of his life, worked various odd jobs, faced financial struggles and Jim Crow, and endured a lengthy trek to Cooperstown. Through newspaper accounts and interviews with several people close to him, this book tells his story on and off the field for the first time. “For too long, Leon Day’s baseball dream was deferred or delayed by forces beyond his control. For he belonged alongside other stars from his era―Satchel Paige, Martin Dihigo, Jackie Robinson. Now, thanks to Bob Luke’s fine work, Leon Day takes his rightful place among the game’s greats.”―Tim Wendel, author of Summer of ’68 “Hidden in plain sight is the most underrated, unheralded and underappreciated two-way player in major league history. Luke pulls back the curtain to reveal the wizardry of this East-West All-Star record holder who showcased his skills in America, Cuba, Venezuela and Mexico. After reading this chronicle, this World War II veteran belongs in the same conversation with Martin Dihigo, Shohei Ohtani, Bullet Rogan and Babe Ruth as iconic and inspirational talents.”―Larry Lester, author, historian, consultant and co-founder of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum “ Leon Day: A Baseball Life from the Negro Leagues to the Hall of Fame is a telling and in-depth look into the life of one of Black baseball’s most dynamic players. But Day’s remarkable career also allows Luke to introduce us to the whole of the Negro Leagues and their place in an era far different from today.”―Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun “At a time when political forces are trying to rewrite American history and deny the nation’s story of both diversity and discrimination, Bob Luke provides the vital service of telling a new generation of Leon Day, one of many great athletes limited to play in the Negro Leagues. Thank you for this American story.”― Dan Rodricks, longtime Baltimore Sun columnist Bob Luke is the author of six books about baseball and race in America. He lives in Garrett Park, Maryland.