Stanley “Doc” Glenn, a former Negro League player for the Philadelphia Stars from 1944-50, passed away last week from natural causes at the age of 84. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Phillies, Glenn, who had been in failing health for quite some time, died just hours after two of his former teammates were honored in a ceremony at Citizens Bank Park commemorating the historic Major League debut of Jackie Robinson on Apr. 16.
Glenn was too ill to attend the ceremony that honored former Stars teammates Mahlon Duckett, Harold Gould and four members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen from World War II.
The author of the 2006 book, “Don’t Let Anyone Take Your Joy Away: An Inside Look at Negro League Baseball and Its Legacy,” Glenn wrote about what it was like for him and other black baseball players playing ball in the Jim Crow era, its trials, tribulations and joy. He also wrote about how one of the highlights of his playing career was being behind the plate and catching for the great Satchel Paige for a short time.
Born in Wachapreague, Va., on Sept. 16, 1926, Glenn made the jump to the Negro League right out of John Bartram High School in Philadelphia when he was signed by MLB hall of famer, Oscar Charleston. Glenn also played three years in the minor leagues and two seasons in the Canadian Senior Intercounty Baseball League in Ontario for the St. Thomas Elgins.
In his post-baseball career, Glenn worked in the wholesale electric supply business for 40 years and was president of the Negro League Baseball Players Association’s Board of Directors. He was also among several former Negro League players honored by Vice President Al Gore in a ceremony at the White House in 1994.