William "Bill" Foster (1997) - Hall of Fame - Southwestern Athletic Conference

Hall of Fame

Early Life & Background

Bill Foster was born June 12, 1904, in Calvert, Texas.
His mother died when he was four, and he was then raised by his maternal grandparents in Rodney, Mississippi.
He attended the historically-Black college Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Alcorn State University) in Lorman, Mississippi for a period.
He was the younger half-brother of the legendary Negro Leagues figure Rube Foster.

Playing Career (Negro Leagues)

Foster debuted in Negro league baseball in 1923 with the Memphis Red Sox.
He is best known for his time with the Chicago American Giants (in the 1920s–1930s), as well as stints with the Homestead Grays, Kansas City Monarchs, and Pittsburgh Crawfords.
One of his standout seasons was 1926, when he reportedly won 26 consecutive games (including a stretch of 23 straight) and helped his team to a pennant and World Series title.
His career estimated stats include a winning percentage around .660, and an ERA roughly in the 2-3 range (negotiating the challenges of Negro leagues record-keeping).
He was recognized for his exceptional pitching repertoire: fastball, curve, change-of-pace, etc. Umpire Jocko Conlan commented that “Foster had the same perfect delivery of Herb Pennock, but was faster by far, with a sharp curve….”

Connection to Alcorn State University

Foster returned to his alma matter Alcorn (then Alcorn A&M College) in 1960 where he served as Dean of Men and coached the baseball team.
He held that role until around 1977-78, working on campus in Lorman, Mississippi.
In recognition of his contributions, the baseball field at Alcorn was named in his honor: Foster Baseball Field at McGowan Stadium (William “Bill” Foster Field) on the campus.