Zack Clayton Elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a Player

[Chuck1052]

According to various news items, it was announced that Zack Clayton, the late black boxing referee, has been elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a player. According to an April 1, 2017 article by Bernard Fernandez on The Sweet Science website, Clayton played as ambidextrous guard for a number of early black basketball teams, including the New York Renaissance (also known as the "Rens"), the Washington Bears, the Quaker City Elks, the Philadelphia Panthers and the Harlem Globetrotters. He played on two World Professional Basketball Tournament-winning teams, first one with the Rens during the inaugural 1939 season and second one with the Bears during 1943. Clayton came along too soon to play in the National Basketball Association, which didn't integrate until the 1950/51 season.

Clayton also played in Negro Baseball Leagues as a first baseman for the Philadelphia Stars, the Philadelphia Giants, the New York Black Yankees and the Bacharach Giants. According to the article by Fernandez, Clayton also came along too soon to have an opportunity to play in Major League Baseball, which integrate until the 1947 season. But basketball was regarded as Clayton's best sport.

Note- Until today, I did not know that Zach Clayton played for black professional basketball and baseball teams, let alone being such a terrific basketball player. I learn something every day.

- Chuck Johnston

[Ambling Alp II]

I didn't know that either. Sounds like he was quite an athlete. Thanks for posting this.