Rube Currie
George Reuben "Rube" Currie was an American pitcher and manager in Negro league baseball. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Currie made his debut for the Chicago Union Giants in 1919 before coming back to his hometown to star for the Kansas City Monarchs.
Newspaper references of the day often spelled his last name "Currie"; however, historians believe his name was actually spelled "Curry," citing his World War I draft registration card; he was also nicknamed "Black Snake" or "King".
In 1918, 19 year-old Curry registered for the WWI draft. He lists his occupation as "Laborer" for the Armour or Armourdale Company in Kansas City, Kansas. He lists his address as 1723 Woodland Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, a location that is about two blocks from today's Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. He also lists his nearest relative as Nelson Curry, living at the same address.
Known for his curveball and control, Currie is rated among the best pitchers of his day, and played in all four of the Negro World Series.
Currie managed in later years, coaching the East team in the 1936 East–West game.
