The Detroit Stars’ Bill Gatewood threw the first Negro National League no-hitter, 99 years ago today.
On Monday, June 6, 1921, Gatewood no-hit the Cincinnati Cubans for a 4-0 win. It was his second of two documented no-hitters. On Saturday, May 13, 1916, while pitching for the St. Louis Giants, Gatewood through a no-no against the Cuban Stars for a 4-1 win.
Nicknamed “Big Bill,” the 6-foot-7 spitballer from San Antonio, Texas, managed the St. Louis Stars and Birmingham Black Barons after his playing career.
