He graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in Prince George's County and attended the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

The 6 ft (1.8 m), 165 lb (75 kg) right-hander began his professional career in the Milwaukee Braves' organization in 1955, but was released after five games in the Class D Florida State League, enduring the strict racial segregation of the Jim Crow era.

Finally, in 1959, in the Sally League, he posted a 15–5 record, led the circuit in complete games (20), finished second in earned run average (2.19),[3] and was named Pitcher of the Year.

He debuted September 14 against the Washington Senators at Griffith Stadium, throwing two innings of relief and allowing four hits and one earned run.

Proctor's grandson James is a Princeton University graduate who pitched in the Cincinnati Reds' organization in 2021 and 2022 before a shoulder injury ended his career.