Jap Payne

Andrew Patrick "Jap" Payne (December 6, 1879 – August 22, 1942) was an American professional baseball player in the Negro leagues. He played multiple positions, including outfield and infield.

Biography Standing at , Payne was described as "unimposing," but he became known for slapping line drives past infielders, as well as having an excellent arm.

Payne was rumored to have gotten the nickname "Jap" due to his slanted eyes.

In August, 1907, Payne lost his temper and attacked an umpire, causing a near-riot, and his language occasionally forced umpires to throw him out of games.

Sportswriter and fellow player Jimmy Smith put Payne on his 1909 "All American Team." Prior to the 1930 season, pitcher Dizzy Dismukes included Payne in his list of nine greatest all-time outfielders and wrote:

In 1953, future Hall of Famer Pop Lloyd named Payne as the right fielder on his all-time team.