As a pitcher for the 1948 Negro American League Champion Birmingham Black Barons, the curveballer compiled a 10–2 regular-season record and a 4.73 ERA.

In 1950, as first baseman, he posted a .313 batting avg with balanced power (14 hrs, 17 triples and 14 doubles) and started at first base for the West squad in the 1950 All-Star game, getting a couple hits in 3 at-bats.

After a season with the Atlanta Black Crackers, he joined the Homestead Grays as a pitcher in 1946 and fashioned a 4–0 record before leaving the team after a disagreement with the owner about money he had won gambling.

After joining the Black Barons that same season, the lanky hurler continued on the mound, but began playing more at first-base, became adept at making the stretch to catch throws from infielders, and was a natural show-boat on the field.

He also excelled in the Caribbean Leagues, including Cuba, where he was called "His Majesty," and in the Dominican Republic where he played winters during the years 1951–59.