Who Was Forest "One Wing" Maddox?

Forest “One Wing” Maddox was born was a pitcher and outfielder for the Knoxville Giants in the Negro Southern League. Born in [insert birthplace if known], Maddox attended Morehouse College, where he played baseball and later served as a professor. As a boy, he lost his left arm in an accident, a circumstance that would later define his remarkable and unconventional playing style.

Maddox played for the Giants following the team’s inauguration in 1920 and quickly became one of its most recognizable players. His unique abilities made him both a crowd favorite and a remarkable athlete to watch.



The Washington Post reported that Maddox “created a sensation throughout the South” with his elite pitching, hitting, and fielding. The Giants signed him during a road trip in Florida, and newspaper coverage generated excitement that followed him to Knoxville for his home debut. In that game, Maddox recorded three hits, made two acrobatic catches in the ninth inning, and threw out opposing runners, leaving spectators in awe of his talent.

In another standout performance, Maddox pitched a two-hit shutout and delivered a two-run single to break a scoreless game, leading the Giants to a series sweep of the Birmingham Black Barons, all accomplished with the use of only his right arm.

In 2020, when Major League Baseball retroactively recognized the Negro Leagues as major leagues, Maddox became one of more than 3,400 players officially added to the record books. In doing so, he is recognized as the first player with a limb difference to appear on a major league roster.