Chet Brewer
| Birthdate | 01/14/1907 |
| Death Date | 03/26/1990 |
| Debut Year | 1924 |
| Year of Induction | |
| Teams | Negro Leagues |
| Position | Pitcher |
Chet Brewer played for at least nine teams over the course of his 24-year playing career. He competed in at least nine countries and 40 US states.
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Chet Brewer pitched professionally for 24 years then scouted for decades
Chet Brewer pitched professionally for 24 years then scouted for decades
Chet Brewer enjoyed a baseball odyssey that included nearly a half century in the game. He pitched in 24 seasons, 15 of which came with the Kansas City Monarchs.
His time with the Monarchs began in 1925. The next season he became a star, teaming with Hall of Fame pitcher Bullet Joe Rogan to give Kansas City the first half championship. He won a combined 15 games the next two seasons before putting together a dominant year in 1929.
That season he put together 31 consecutive scoreless innings in Negro League play on his way to a 17-3 win/loss record. His Monarchs were the 1929 National Negro League champions.
In addition to the Monarchs, Brewer played for the Gilderson Union Giants, Washington Pilots, Brooklyn Royal Giants, New York Cubans, Philadelphia Stars, Cleveland Buckeyes, Chicago American Giants, and teams in Crookston, Minnesota and Bismark, North Dakota. His final seasons came in the US minor leagues after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier.
In the collection is this personal check made out and signed by Brewer and dated 9/17/1988. A finesse pitcher, Brewer pitched with an assortment of teams throughout the world, including China, Japan, the Philippines, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Santo Domingo, and in forty-four of the forty-eight continental United States.
After retiring as a player, Brewer became a scout and instructor for the Pittsburgh Pirates for nearly three decades. Brewer lived his final years in Whittier, California. He passed away there on March 26, 1990 at age 83.
Many see Brewer as a strong candidate for Cooperstown.
In the offseason Brewer played against MLB stars to augment his income
In the offseason Brewer played against MLB stars to augment his income
Despite the color barrier, Negro Leaguers often faced off against their MLB counterparts. These contests took place in the off-season and helped augment the income of the players involved.
Shown here is a lineup of Negro League stars called the Philadelphia Royal Giants. They squared off against Dizzy Dean’s All Stars on October 31, 1935. Satchel Paige started the game against a star-studded lineup.
Hall of Famer Arky Vaugnan played shortstop while NL home run champion and four-time All Star Wally Berger hit behind him in the cleanup spot. Dolph Camilli who won the 1941 NL Most Valuable Player Award played first and Cooperstown hurler Dean got the start on the hill.
Ole Diz faced a batting order that included three men who went on to get their Cooperstown plaques: Turkey Stearnes, Mule Suttles, and Biz Mackey. The Cardinals hurler went 7 innings, giving up five hits and a pair of runs.
Satchel struck out 7, allowed two runs on two hits, and left with a no-decision after four innings. Chet Brewer relieved Paige. In four innings of work he allowed three runs on five hits and struck out four. The MLB team saddled Brewer with the loss.
Five men have adorned their signatures to the lineup including Paige, Vaughan, Camilli, Berger, and Tuck Stainback.
Mr. Brewer in his later years ran a semipro team in the City of Vernon. I was blessed to play against his team and I brought along an old friend of his who pitched against him during barnstorming days. They hadn’t seen each other in over 40 years and when they laid eyes on each other the happiness and stories flowed. After the game both teams sat around for a few hours listening to these 2 rehash old memories and funny moments. For me, it proved to be the most memorable day of my baseball life.