Recognized as one of the best defensive catchers in Negro League history, husky Larry Brown was known for his rifle arm and unusual habit of leaving his mask on when catching pop-ups. Referred to as “Iron Man,” he prided himself on catching nearly every day, sometimes three games a day; in 1930, he caught 234 games. Though mediocre offensively, he excelled in his six all-star appearances, hitting .308. His best single season on record was 1928, when he batted .294 and led the Memphis Red Sox in games, at-bats, hits, and doubles. After starring for the Chicago American Giants in the early 1930s, he finished his career as player-manager for Memphis throughout the 1940s.
