On May 14th, 1961, Chuck Hinton played his first Major League game.

I share a last name with 4 players who played in the Major Leagues:

• Chuck Hinton (1961-1971)
• Rich Hinton (1971-1979)
• Archie Hinton (1945-46)
• John Hinton (1901)

Charles “Chuck” Hinton was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina on May 3, 1934. He played outfield for Washington and then Cleveland. His best season was 1962 when he hit 17 HR and had a .310 BA. He had 5 seasons where he was in the top 10 in Stolen Bases. He had speed and some power.

Rich Hinton was born in Tucson, Arizona, on May 22, 1947. He was a journeyman pitcher, playing for 5 different teams in his 6 seasons. In 1978, he had 2 Complete Games for the White Sox.

Archie Hinton was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, on June 1, 1926. Like Rich Hinton he was a pitcher. He pitched for the Baltimore Elite Giants, a Negro League team. He threw 3 Complete Games in his career. As they continue to research Negro League history and find more box scores, I have no doubt they will find more victories for Archie.

John “Red” Hinton was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on June 19, 1876. In 1901, he got into 4 games for the Boston Nationals (later Boston Braves) at 3B. In 13 AB he got 1 hit. He also walked 2 times.

During my childhood years (1961-1979), there was always a Hinton in the game. But for the past 45 years there have been none. Here’s hoping that will change soon.