Although he spent his entire career playing either in Cuba or the Negro Leagues of North America, José Méndez often faced AL/NL competition in exhibition games. And he regularly bested some of the game's biggest stars like Christy Mathewson and Eddie Plank.
José Méndez
Pitcher
Class of
2006
José Méndez
Pitcher
Class of
2006
Nicknamed “The Black Diamond,” Cuban-born hurler José Méndez was one of the most dominant pitchers of his era.
Games
Birth year

José de la Caridad "The Black Diamond" Méndez
Chicago American Giants, 1918
Detroit Stars, 1919
Kansas City Monarchs, 1920-1926
Nicknamed “The Black Diamond,” Cuban-born hurler José Méndez was one of the most dominant pitchers of his era.
About José Méndez
The Basics
Birth Year
1885
Died
1928, Havana
Career at a Glance
Played For
Chicago American Giants, 1918
Detroit Stars, 1919
Kansas City Monarchs, 1920-1926
Career MLB Stats
Games
69
Wins
30
Losses
9
Winning %
.769
Saves
8
Hits
340
Walks
60
Runs
164
Games Started
31
Innings Pitched
320
Completed Games
16
Shutouts
1
Earned Runs
123
Strikeouts
139
ERA
3.46
WHIP
1.250
José Méndez Stories
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