Bill Greason – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

You might not find Bill Greason’s name in every baseball history book, but honestly, his influence on America’s pastime goes way beyond his short three-game major league stint. Born in Atlanta in 1924, Greason pushed through barriers and helped chip away at the walls of segregation in pro baseball during some of the toughest times in American history.

His journey started on the sandlots of segregated Atlanta and ended up in the major leagues. It’s a story full of grit, hope, and a lot of courage.

Greason became the first Black pitcher to play for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1954, a huge moment in baseball’s integration efforts. Before that, he made his mark in the Negro Leagues with the Birmingham Black Barons and broke ground as the first Black minor league player in Oklahoma.

His baseball dreams got put on pause when he served as a Marine at Iwo Jima during World War II. That experience added another layer to his story—one that’s honestly hard not to admire.

Greason’s career stretched across different leagues and even countries. He started out with the Nashville Black Vols and played winter ball in Puerto Rico, sharing the field with legends like Willie Mays and Roberto Clemente.

His major league stats? Pretty modest. But what really matters is how he helped baseball move forward and his later work as a Baptist minister. His legacy goes way beyond the game, and you can’t help but feel inspired by his story from the 1950s.

Early Life and Background

William Henry Greason was born on September 3, 1924, in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up in a working-class family that shaped his sense of self and the values he carried his whole life.

He lived in a neighborhood that turned out some pretty influential people. He went to local schools during segregation and found his baseball talent on Atlanta’s sandlots.

Family and Childhood in Atlanta

Greason was the middle child of five—two older brothers, James Jr. and Willie, and two younger sisters, Jamie Mae and Louise. His parents, James and Lizi Greason, worked hard.

They lived on Auburn Avenue, scraping by. James did labor jobs and Lizi took in laundry for white families. Bill once called his family “poor folk” when he talked about those days.

Their house was right across the street from another future icon, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Auburn Avenue area, now the Sweet Auburn Historic District, was a Black community in segregated Atlanta. It ended up being famous for the people who grew up there.

Greason’s parents taught him the basics—respect, dignity, and faith. His mom used to say, “You are somebody. You are God’s child. We are to treat each other with respect and to love each other.” Those words stuck with him, both in life and on the baseball field.

Education and High School Years

Greason went to David T. Howard High School first, then transferred to Booker T. Washington High School to finish up. Both schools served Atlanta’s Black community during segregation.

At Booker T. Washington, Greason was there five years before Martin Luther King, Jr. They didn’t overlap as classmates because of the age gap.

The schools didn’t have much in the way of resources, but Greason got his education in a place that built strong communities even while facing big challenges.

His high school years lined up with World War II. Not long after graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1943.

Early Interest in Baseball

Greason found his baseball skills by playing pickup games on the sandlots around Atlanta. He’d get out there with friends for informal games and just play for the fun of it.

He never had a coach or formal training. “I never dreamed that I would have been a baseball player. Nobody taught me how to play, It was a gift,” Greason once said.

Sammie Haynes, manager of the Atlanta Black Crackers, noticed Greason’s talent during these sandlot games. Haynes encouraged him to go further with baseball.

Growing up, Greason didn’t have organized team experience. Everything he learned came from playing with friends and practicing on his own.

Military Service and World War II

Bill Greason joined the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He served with the 66th Supply Platoon, an all-Black unit in the Pacific.

He witnessed the famous flag raising at Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Later, he served with the occupational forces in Japan.

Enlistment and Training as a Marine

Greason enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1943 at just 19 years old. He put his baseball career on hold after being drafted while still in high school.

He went through basic training at Montford Point in North Carolina, a segregated camp for African American Marines. Montford Point was the only place Black Marines could train during the war.

Black Marines trained separately from white recruits. Montford Point produced the first African American Marines in the Corps’ history.

Greason’s training prepared him for combat in the Pacific. But he and the other Black Marines also had to deal with racism in the military.

Role in the 66th Supply Platoon

Greason worked with the 66th Supply Platoon, 34th Marine Depot Company, V Amphibious Corps. His unit handled logistics and supply operations.

Their main jobs included unloading supplies, transporting ammunition, managing equipment, and supporting combat units.

The supply Marines played a key role during amphibious assaults. The 66th Supply Platoon often worked under enemy fire.

Greason’s unit supported major operations in the Pacific. Their efforts kept combat forces supplied and ready during long campaigns.

Experiences at Iwo Jima and the Pacific Theater

The 66th Supply Platoon landed on Iwo Jima on February 22, 1945, just three days after the first Marine assault. Greason saw both flag raisings atop Mount Suribachi on February 23.

He witnessed the second, now-famous flag raising that Joe Rosenthal photographed and Marine Sergeant Bill Genaust filmed.

Greason later said about the battle, “That was an awful place. It taught me to really pray. There were over 20,000 casualties. Two of my best buddies right near me got killed.”

That experience shook his faith and changed him. He promised God that if he made it out of Iwo Jima, he’d dedicate his life to service.

After Japan surrendered in September 1945, Greason served with American forces in Sasebo and Nagasaki. Eventually, he got an honorable discharge and returned home to baseball.

Negro Leagues and Early Professional Career

Bill Greason kicked off his pro baseball career in 1947 with the Nashville Black Vols. He quickly made a name for himself as a pitcher, finishing with a 12-4 record.

His standout season caught the eye of the Birmingham Black Barons, who picked him up in 1948. He ended up playing in the last Negro World Series.

Nashville Black Vols and Asheville Blues

After his time as a Montford Point Marine, Greason got a push from Sammie Haynes to try pro baseball. Haynes had seen Greason’s pitching talent back in Atlanta.

In 1947, Greason joined the Nashville Black Vols for his first season. He posted a solid 12-4 record and showed he had the stuff to pitch at a high level.

The next year, he went to spring training with the Asheville Blues in the new Negro American Association. During a game against the Birmingham Black Barons, catcher Pepper Bassett noticed his skills.

Bassett talked to manager Lorenzo “Piper” Davis about picking up Greason. “That was on a Monday night. Saturday morning I was in Birmingham,” Greason remembered.

Birmingham Black Barons and Rickwood Field

The Birmingham Black Barons had already won Negro American League pennants in 1943 and 1944. The 1948 team included future stars like Greason, a teenage Willie Mays, Jehosie Heard, and Artie Wilson.

Greason notched six wins that season. Jimmy Newberry and Bill Powell led the team with seven victories each.

The Black Barons took the NAL’s first-half title. They beat the Kansas City Monarchs in the playoffs, with Greason starting and winning the clinching game for a 4-3 series win.

Rickwood Field was home for the Black Barons. The ballpark later hosted big games during the Negro World Series against the Homestead Grays.

Negro World Series Against the Homestead Grays

The 1948 Negro World Series was the last one ever played. The Birmingham Black Barons faced the Homestead Grays, who had already beaten them in 1943 and 1944.

The Grays had future major leaguers like Luke Easter, Bob Thurman, and Luis Márquez. They won Game One in Kansas City, then took Game Two at Rickwood Field.

Greason picked up Birmingham’s only win in Game Three, both pitching and hitting. He came in during the eighth inning to relieve Alonzo Perry, who’d let the Grays tie it up 3-3.

In the bottom of the ninth, Greason singled and moved to second. He scored the winning run when Willie Mays knocked a ball through pitcher Ted Alexander’s legs into center.

The Grays won the next two games and took the championship. Even though Birmingham lost, Greason’s performance made him a key player in the Negro American League.

Breaking Barriers and Integration in Baseball

Bill Greason broke new ground as the first Black player in Oklahoma pro baseball. Later, he became the first Black pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1954.

His path through the Texas League and into the majors marked important steps in baseball’s slow move toward integration in the 1950s.

Oklahoma City Indians and Texas League

Greason joined the Oklahoma City Indians on July 28, 1952, making him the first Black pro athlete in Oklahoma.

People in Oklahoma City’s Black community were thrilled. Russell Perry, who was a kid at the time, remembered, “It was like Jackie Robinson was here. Everybody was very, very proud of him.”

Road Challenges in the Texas League:

• Hostile crowds in some cities
• Racial slurs and ugly language
• Not much socializing with white teammates

Still, Greason got plenty of support at home games. Oklahoma City fans treated him well, and the team gave him a positive place to play.

He was fantastic on the mound. Greason finished with a 9-1 record and a 2.14 ERA in 1952. Major league teams started to take notice.

On August 3, 1952, Greason faced Dave Hoskins of the Dallas Eagles. That was the first all-Black pitching matchup in Texas League history. Over 11,000 fans showed up, and more than half were Black spectators.

Major League Debut with St. Louis Cardinals

After his breakout 1952 season, several major league teams went after Greason. Even the Yankees and Red Sox—who hadn’t signed Black players yet—showed interest.

The St. Louis Cardinals finally signed him. On May 31, 1954, Greason made his major league debut with the Cardinals.

His time in the big leagues was short but important. He pitched in just three games for the Cardinals that season.

Major League Statistics:

• Games: 3
• Season: 1954
• Team: St. Louis Cardinals
• Position: Pitcher

By signing Greason, the Cardinals showed they were ready to move toward integration. His debut came seven years after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier with the Dodgers.

Trailblazing as First Black Pitcher for Cardinals

Greason didn’t just play for the Cardinals—he broke ground as their first black pitcher, shattering a big barrier for the team.

He signed on during baseball’s slow, awkward integration. Between 1948 and 1950, only seven black players made it to the majors. Every new face felt like a milestone.

After his time in the majors, Greason kept pushing for change in baseball. In 1958, the Cardinals sent him to the Rochester Red Wings, where he ended up mentoring a young Bob Gibson, who’d later make it to the Hall of Fame.

“I never dreamed that I would have been a baseball player,” Greason admitted. “Nobody taught me how to play. It was a gift.”

His parents taught him how to handle the pressure. They told him to respect everyone, no matter their race, and not to get hung up on what others thought.

When the Cardinals promoted Greason, it marked real progress for their integration efforts. His time in pro baseball, even if it was short in the majors, helped open doors for black players who came after him.

Career in Minor and International Leagues

Greason’s baseball journey went way beyond the Negro Leagues. He played everywhere, from the Pacific Coast League to winter ball in Puerto Rico. For more than a decade, he faced tough competition all over North America and the Caribbean.

Oakland Oaks and Pacific Coast League

When Greason joined the Oakland Oaks, it was a big step into integrated pro baseball. The Pacific Coast League was no joke back in the 1950s—one of the best minor leagues around.

It was a proving ground for players hoping to reach the majors. As baseball opened up, a lot of former Negro League guys found their shot in the PCL.

Playing for the Oaks gave Greason a real chance to show off his pitching. The PCL had a reputation for developing talent, so it was a key stop in his career.

He proved he could handle tough competition there. Those years helped him get ready for his shot with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Mexican League and Charros de Jalisco

The Mexican League gave Greason steady work and tough games in the early ’50s. He pitched for the Jalisco Charros and racked up some impressive stats.

He really found his groove in Mexico, putting up a strong win-loss record. The league paid well and let players keep working all year.

Greason sharpened his pitching against international talent with Jalisco. The league drew ex-major leaguers and top players from all over Latin America.

Playing in Mexico broadened his baseball world. He learned a lot from facing different styles and playing in new places.

Houston Buffaloes and Rochester Red Wings

Greason also spent time with the Houston Buffaloes and Rochester Red Wings, both respected minor league teams. The Buffaloes gave him another shot to showcase his pitching.

His run with the Red Wings came during a good stretch in his career. Both teams were known for developing players and staying competitive.

The Red Wings, especially, had a strong reputation in the International League. Greason’s performance kept him in the mix for a return to the majors.

Pitching for these clubs gave him regular work and helped him stay sharp. Time with such established teams made his professional résumé even stronger.

Santurce Crabbers and Puerto Rican Winter League

Winter ball in Puerto Rico became a huge part of Greason’s career. The Santurce Crabbers boasted some of the top talent in the Caribbean during the ’50s.

Sharing the field with future Hall of Famers like Roberto Clemente pushed Greason to up his game. The Puerto Rican Winter League pulled in stars from both the majors and the Negro Leagues.

Between 1951 and 1958, Greason pitched for Santurce in several winter seasons. The high level of play kept him sharp when most guys were taking a break.

He proved he could hang with international competition. Playing winter ball also helped him earn extra money and stay in top shape all year.

Post-Baseball Life and Legacy

When Greason retired from baseball in 1959, he didn’t slow down. He poured more than 50 years into ministry at Bethel Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Along the way, he became a civil rights activist and community leader, launching programs to mentor youth and keep Negro Leagues history alive.

Ministry at Bethel Baptist Church

Greason started his ministry soon after stepping away from baseball in 1959. He pastored Bethel Baptist Church, just a couple miles from Rickwood Field in Birmingham.

People there saw him as more than a former athlete. He was a steady spiritual leader who guided his congregation through big social changes in the city.

The church became the center of his life after baseball. He juggled his pastoral work with efforts to preserve baseball history and run outreach programs.

Greason’s ministry went past Sunday mornings. He used his platform to speak up on social issues and help young people find their way.

Community Leadership and Civil Rights Work

Greason’s activism started early, growing up across the street from Martin Luther King Jr. in Atlanta. That kind of influence sticks with you.

He helped found the Alabama Negro League Association, working to preserve the stories and legacy of Negro Leagues baseball in the state.

His service as the first black Marine to land at Iwo Jima during World War II gave him serious credibility. He used that experience to push for equality and justice in Birmingham.

Greason created Project HELP, a program that taught baseball to Birmingham’s youth. The idea was to mix sports with life lessons and character building.

Mentoring and Influence on Future Generations

Back in 1958, the Cardinals sent Greason to the Rochester Red Wings. There, he took future Hall of Famer Bob Gibson under his wing.

Guiding Gibson showed Greason’s knack for mentoring young players, on and off the field. That relationship ended up being one of his most lasting contributions to the game.

He kept working with young players after retirement. With experience from both the Negro Leagues and the majors, he had a lot to teach about baseball and life.

His Project HELP program reached hundreds of kids in Birmingham over the years. He used baseball as a way to teach, not just to play.

Awards and Recognitions

The Birmingham Barons put Greason in their Hall of Fame in May 2015, honoring his impact on the city’s baseball history and his community service.

Down in the church basement, you’ll find an exhibit of artifacts from his baseball days. The display covers his time in the Negro Leagues, minors, and the majors.

At 99, Greason threw out the first pitch at a special Negro Leagues tribute game at Rickwood Field. By then, he was the oldest living former St. Louis Cardinals player.

In 2024, after Art Schallock passed away, Greason became baseball’s oldest living player at 100 years old. Only one other member of the 1948 Birmingham Black Barons championship team is still around.

Notable Teammates and Baseball Connections

Greason’s career put him alongside some of baseball’s biggest legends. He roomed with Willie Mays in Birmingham and played winter ball with Roberto Clemente. These connections shaped his journey and helped push baseball toward integration.

Willie Mays and Roommates in Birmingham

Greason and Willie Mays got close while playing for the Birmingham Black Barons in 1948. They shared a room and built a friendship that lasted for decades.

Greason took on a mentor role for Mays, who was just 17 when he joined the team. The older pitcher helped Mays navigate the challenges of Negro League baseball.

That 1948 season was special for Birmingham. Greason went 6-4 with a 3.30 ERA, helping the team win the pennant. Mays, of course, was already showing the skills that would take him to Cooperstown.

Both played big roles in the Black Barons’ run to the 1948 Negro World Series. Greason pitched in three games against the Homestead Grays and got the team’s only win in the series.

Even after they went their separate ways, Greason spoke fondly of Mays. He took pride in watching his old roommate’s success in the majors.

Playing with Roberto Clemente and Caribbean Success

Winter ball in Puerto Rico brought Greason together with Roberto Clemente in the mid-1950s. Those leagues gave players a chance to compete year-round and keep improving.

From 1954 to 1958, Greason put up a 38-22 record pitching winters in Puerto Rico. He showed he could compete at a high level, no matter where he played.

Clemente was just starting to make his mark as a top talent in Caribbean baseball. His aggressive play and athleticism set him apart in the winter leagues.

Facing and teaming up with Latin American players gave Greason a broader view of the game. Those international experiences helped him adapt his pitching to all kinds of hitters and situations.

Mentorship of Bob Gibson

Not much info exists about Greason’s direct mentorship of Bob Gibson, but their paths definitely crossed through the St. Louis Cardinals organization. Greason became the first Black pitcher in Cardinals history in 1954, which was a huge deal.

Gibson came into the Cardinals system in the late 1950s, just after Greason’s short time in the majors. The Cardinals probably made sure their pioneering Black players connected with each other.

Greason really set the stage as a trailblazer in the Cardinals system, opening doors for Black pitchers like Gibson. His attitude and professionalism helped build a foundation for integration in the organization.

Even though Greason only played three games for St. Louis, his presence mattered. He made it easier for the Cardinals to integrate their roster later on.