Dick Lundy (baseball player)

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Richard Lundy (July 10, 1898 - January 5, 1965) was an African American shortstop in the Negro Leagues for numerous teams. He was considered one of the most confident showmen to ever walk onto a baseball field, often completing amazing feats at shortstop, seemingly with ease, in front of large crowds. He was born in Jacksonville, Florida.

Lundy is thought of by many historians as one of the smartest baseball minds ever to play, especially running the bases. In 1921 he almost batted .500, reportedly hitting .484 that year. Thought of as one of the most respected players in the Negro League, Lundy was an obvious choice to be a player-manager. He took the job of managing the Bacharach Giants from 1925 through 1928, leading the team to two Eastern Colored League pennants (1926, '27). In the 1926 Negro League World Series, Lundy had six RBIs, four runs scored, and six stolen bases. The Giants, however, lost the series. After this time, he was considered a natural leader.

Lundy's all-around quickness, talent, and confidence made him one of the best players in the league at the time and an obvious choice for the East-West All-Star Game, which he participated in once, playing shortstop for the East. By this point, he had become part of what was called the "million dollar infield" playing for the Baltimore Black Sox in 1929; the infield included Oliver Marcelle, Frank Warfield, and Jud Wilson.

Lundy remained in baseball around 33 total years, finishing out his baseball career as purely a manager. He died at age 66 in Jacksonville. His career was often compared to that of Joe Cronin.

He was among 39 Negro Leagues players, managers, and executives who were on the final list being considered for the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1926, but fell short of the necessary 75% vote.