Nap Gulley

Napoleon Gulley (August 29, 1924 – August 21, 1999) was an American Negro league pitcher in the 1940s.

Early life Napoleon Gulley was born on August 29, 1924, in Huttig, Arkansas, to parents Roland G. Gulley and Cinderella Fountain. He attended Vashon High School in St. Louis, Missouri, where he played baseball, basketball, and football.

Playing career

Major Leagues

Kansas City Monarchs At the age of 16 while playing for local semi pro teams in Missouri, Gulley was signed by Dizzy Dismukes, then general manager of the Kansas City Monarchs. Gulley briefly joined the Monarchs in spring training before he was traded to the Birmingham Black Barons.

Birmingham Black Barons Gulley was a member of the Black Barons pitching staff in 1941 and 1942, though he did not make any recorded appearances in league play.

Cleveland Buckeyes Gulley joined the Cleveland Buckeyes in 1943 and remained on the pitching staff through 1945. Gulley is credited with a single league appearance (a complete game loss) with Cleveland, In 1943, Gulley suffered an unspecified injury and was sidelined by July. Unhappy with limited playing time in 1945, Gulley asked for and received his unconditional release. Shortly after, he then joined former Black Barons teammate Ted Radcliffe on Abe Saperstein's Harlem Globetrotters baseball team. He also teamed up with other Black major leaguers and prospects in 1948, touring the country with the Jackie Robinson All-Stars. While barnstorming, Gulley played outfield on days he wasn't pitching.

Mexican League In 1948, Gulley was recruited with a number of Americans to play in the integrated Mexican League.

Canada Following his time in Mexico, Gulley moved North to the independent Provincial League in 1949, splitting the season between the Farmham Pirates and St. Jean Braves. now considered a minor league level team.

Brooklyn Dodgers organization In 1950, Gulley caught the eye of the Brooklyn Dodgers and was signed to a minor league contract. He was assigned to the Class C Santa Barbara Dodgers of the California League but never played a game with them due to alleged verbal abuse by manager Bill Hart. He then retired for 90 days on the recommendation of minor league president George Trautman, making him free to sign with any club he wanted. The injury effectively ended his career in baseball.

Life after baseball After retiring from baseball, Gulley moved to Chicago and opened a graphic arts business. In 1998, Gulley was honored by the Milwaukee Brewers and added to their Negro League Wall of Fame at County Stadium, later moved to Miller Park.

Death and legacy He died in Skokie, Illinois, in 1999 at age 74. In 2019, Gulley was posthumously elected to the Union County, Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.