Rest in Peace Solly Drake
Born: October 23rd, 1930 - Little Rock, Arkansas Died: August 18th, 2021 (Age 90) - Los Angeles, California Positions: Outfield Batted: Switch Threw Right Teams: Chicago Cubs (1956) Los Angeles Dodgers (1959) Philadelphia Phillies (1959) Awards: Key Notes: Solly Drake was the older of the first black brother combination to play major league baseball in the 20th Century. His brother Sammy Drake was an infielder for the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets from 1960 to 1962. Before the 1951 season Solly was signed by the Cubs as an amateur free agent. Solly spent 1951 with the class C Topeka Owls and the 20-year-old outfielder appeared in 85 games and hit for a .324 average. The speedy switch-hitting outfielder, once timed in 10 seconds flat in the 100-yard dash, was brought up by the Cubs in 1956, when he appeared in 65 games, hit for a .256 average and fielded at a .993 clip. He was also with the AAA St. Paul Saints for 55 games...