Fireballing right-hander “Smokey” Joe Williams dominated Negro League baseball in the early 20th century, much like Sachel Paige of later generations. He featured a smooth, overhand delivery, pinpoint control, an effective change-up, and a fastball that contemporaries called equal to Walter Johnson’s. In a 1952 Pittsburgh Courier survey to pick the best black pitcher in history, he out-polled Paige by a single vote.

From 1905-09 Joe played for the San Antonio Bronchos. Rube Foster signed him for the Chicago Leland Giants in 1910. Williams continued his career with the NY Lincoln Giants (1911-23), Mohawk Giants (1913), Chicago American Giants (1914), Atlantic City Bacharach Giants (1916), Hilldale Daisies (1917), Brooklyn Royal Giants (1924), Homestead Grays (1925-32), and Detroit Wolves (1932).

In fascinating battles against big league teams, Williams recorded a 22-7-1 record. Among his victims were Hall of Famers such as Grover Alexander, Chief Bender, Waite Hoyt, Walter Johnson, and Rube Marquard.

In a 1917 exhibition, he no-hit the NY Giants and struck out 20, but lost 1-0 on an error. Legend has it that after this game Giants Hall of Famer Ross Youngs tagged Williams with his well-known sobriquet, “Smokey Joe throws harder than any pitcher I’ve faced in the National League.” Ty Cobb once commented, “If he were white, he’d be a 30-gamer in the Major Leagues.’’

Racial injustice kept Smokey Joe Williams from enjoying a Major League career. Nonetheless, his achievements in the Negro Leagues and in exhibition games against Major League teams left an indelible imprint.

* Shutout the world champion NY Giants in an exhibition game.

* 1930 - Struck out 27 in a 12-inning 1-0 game vs the Kansas City Monarchs.

* Compiled a lifetime record of 20 wins & 7 losses in exhibition games against Major League teams.

* 1952 - Voted “Greatest Pitcher in Negro Leagues”
(Pittsburgh Courier)