Who Was Jerry Benjamin?

Jerry Benjamin was born on November 9, 1909, in Montgomery, Alabama. A center fielder in the Negro Leagues, he played from 1931 to 1948 and established himself as one of the era’s standout outfielders.

Benjamin began his professional career in 1931 with the Knoxville Giants. Over the course of his career, he earned recognition as a three-time Negro League All-Star and went on to play for several prominent teams, including the Memphis Red Sox, Indianapolis ABCs/Detroit Stars, Birmingham Black Barons, Homestead Grays, Newark Eagles, and New York Cubans.

Known for his speed and reliability in the outfield, Benjamin brought both range and consistency to every team he joined. His ability to cover ground and make difficult plays look routine made him a valuable presence on the field throughout his career.

He died on November 23, 1974, at the age of 64.