Negro Leagues Star Clinton 'Tiny' Forge Dies at 90

Forge played professionally in the Negro Leagues and was honored by MLB in 2024 before his passing.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 3:47pm

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Clinton "Tiny" Forge, a former catcher who played in the Negro Leagues for the Detroit Stars in the 1950s, passed away at the age of 90. Forge was honored by Major League Baseball in 2024 when he was invited as a guest to a game at Rickwood Field in his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, where he threw out a ceremonial first pitch.

Why it matters

Forge's career and life story represent an important part of baseball history, as he played in the Negro Leagues during a time of racial segregation in the sport. His recognition by MLB in 2024 helped shine a light on the contributions of Negro Leagues players who did not receive the same level of fame and accolades as their white counterparts during their playing days.

The details

After his professional baseball career, Forge became an avid and competitive amateur golfer in the Birmingham area, winning a local tournament hosted by the city's mayor. In 2022, he was one of a handful of former Negro Leagues players honored at a convention held by the Society For American Baseball Research in Birmingham. The following year, Forge was invited by former MLB player Ryan Howard to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at a game between the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals at Rickwood Field, the site of the last Negro Leagues World Series in 1948.

  • Forge played professionally for the Detroit Stars of the Negro League in the 1950s.
  • In June 2022, Forge was one of a handful of former Negro Leagues players honored at a convention held by the Society For American Baseball Research in Birmingham.
  • In 2024, Forge was invited as an honored guest to a game between the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals at Rickwood Field in Birmingham.
  • Forge continued to compete in golf into his eighties, winning the inaugural tournament hosted by Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin.
  • Forge passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2026, at the age of 90.

The players

Clinton "Tiny" Forge

A catcher who played professionally in the Negro Leagues for the Detroit Stars in the 1950s, and later became a passionate and competitive amateur golfer in the Birmingham area.

Hank Aaron

A future Hall of Famer who Forge played against during his time in the Negro Leagues.

Ryan Howard

A former MLB player who invited Forge and other former Negro Leagues players to be honored guests at a game between the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals in 2024.

Randall Woodfin

The mayor of Birmingham who hosted a golf tournament that Forge won in his eighties.

Willie Mays

A Baseball Hall of Famer who got his start as a teenager at Rickwood Field, the site of the last Negro Leagues World Series in 1948.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

Forge's life and career serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Negro Leagues and the important contributions of its players, even decades after the league's demise. His recognition by MLB in 2024 and his continued involvement in local sports in Birmingham highlight the ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate this important part of baseball history.