Mule Suttles
Midwest Six – Pittsburgh Crawfords
Left Field, First Base
Career
Birmingham Barons 1923-25
St. Louis Stars 1926-31
Detroit Wolves 1932
Cole’s American Giants 1933-35
Newark Eagles 1936-40, 42-44
Indianapolis ABC’s 1939
New York Black Yankees 1941-42
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Born: 1901 Louisiana
Taken from The Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Baseball Leagues
A great power hitter who swung for distance while still maintaining a good average, Suttles, using a big 50-ounce bat, generated as much power as anyone in black baseball. Exemplifying this accomplishment are his stats after joining the St. Louis Stars in 1926, where he is credited with 26 home runs, a .432 batter average and a 1.000 slugging percentage, and his 1930 season statistics, showing a .384 batting average to pair with a .837 slugging percentage, which produced a home run for each 10.1 at bats.
With limited mobility, the hulking slugger’s play afield was not impressive, either at first base or in the outfield. However, while not a graceful first sacker, he did handle everything he could reach, and his fielding was more than sufficient to complement his batting prowess.
By the end of the season, Suttles will be near the top of the league in doubles, home runs, runs batted in, and slugging percentage.
Legitimate Silver Slugger and MVP candidate.
