James Semler

James "Soldier Boy" Semler was an American sports executive who co-owned the New York Black Yankees of the Negro National League. For much of the club's history, he owned the team along with Bill Robinson.[1]

Career

Semler worked as a tailor in Harlem.[2]

When the Harlem Stars reorganized as the New York Black Yankees in 1932, Semler served as the club's inaugural secretary.[3] In 1933, Semler, with the help of Nat Strong, secured control of the team after president M.E. Goodson and treasurer Oscar Barnes withdrew their financial interests.[4] He retained the role of secretary while also acting as team president.[5]

In March 1935, George Scales, who managed the club from 1932 to 1934, sued Semler, arguing that he had no right to be team's sole owner.[6]

During the 1935 season, Semler expressed disinterest in the Black Yankees joining the Negro National League,[7] though the club would ultimately join the league for 1936.[8]

References
  1. Riley, James A. (1994). The Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Baseball Leagues. New York: Carroll & Graf. ISBN 0-7867-0959-6.
  2. "Black Yankees Improve Team". Brooklyn Times-Union. March 6, 1935. p. 10. Retrieved January 28, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. "George Scales to Manage Reorganized "Black Yankees"" (PDF). The New York Age. Fultonhistory.com. March 5, 1932. Retrieved January 28, 2022.
  4. Rosee, Irwin N. (14 November 1934). "Black Yankees Kept Wolf From Door in Early Days". Brooklyn Times-Union. p. 15. Retrieved 28 January 2022.
  5. "Semler Says Black Yanks Will Work With League". Pittsburgh Courier. March 3, 1934. p. 15. Retrieved January 28, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. "George Scales vs. James Semler". Brooklyn Times-Union. March 14, 1935. p. 14. Retrieved January 28, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. "Just Below the Majors". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. June 5, 1935. p. 24. Retrieved January 28, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. "1931 Harlem Stars". Seamheads Negro League Database.


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