John William "Jimmie" Crutchfield (March 25, 1910 – March 31, 1993) was an American professional baseball outfielder in Negro league baseball from 1930 to 1945.
Crutchfield began his career with the Birmingham Black Barons in 1930 but the following year moved to the Indianapolis ABC's. When the team ran into financial difficulties, he left to play with the Pittsburgh Crawfords, where he remained for the next five years. Teamed with Ted Page[1] and Cool Papa Bell, they formed what is considered the best outfield in the Negro leagues. During this time, his performance earned him three appearances in the East-West All-Star game. In the 1935 game, Crutchfield made an astonishing catch when he chased down a long drive and leapt in the air, catching the ball in his bare hand. In 1941 he was named an All-Star again, this time as a member of the Chicago American Giants.
↑ Burr Oak sec., lot 51, grave 11, Burr Oak Cemetery, Alsip, IL., Wilson, Scott. Resting Places: The Burial Sites of More Than 14,000 Famous Persons, 3d ed.: 2 (Kindle Locations 10568-10569). McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. Kindle Edition.
