Detroit Native and Negro Leagues Player Ron Teasley Dies at 99

Teasley played for the New York Cubans and later became an educator in Detroit.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 10:07pm

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Ron Teasley, a Detroit native who played for the New York Cubans in the Negro National League, died on Tuesday at the age of 99. Teasley, whose nickname was "Schoolboy," was the second-oldest living Negro Leagues player. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Teasley signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1948 and later joined the New York Cubans. He went on to have a career in education, becoming a teacher and coach at his alma mater, Detroit's Northwestern High School.

Why it matters

The passing of Ron Teasley and fellow Negro Leagues player Clinton "Tiny" Forge highlights the importance of preserving the legacy of the Negro Leagues, which provided opportunities for Black players during the era of segregation in professional baseball. Teasley's life and career exemplify the contributions of Negro Leagues players to the sport and their communities.

The details

Teasley spent time with the Dodgers' farm team in Olean, New York before joining the New York Cubans in 1948. He played independent ball from 1949 to 1950. After his playing career, Teasley became an educator and coach at his alma mater, Detroit's Northwestern High School, where he earned degrees from Wayne State University.

  • Teasley died on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.
  • Teasley's death comes more than a week after former Negro Leagues player Clinton "Tiny" Forge died at age 90.

The players

Ron Teasley

A Detroit native who played for the New York Cubans in the Negro National League and later became an educator and coach at his alma mater, Detroit's Northwestern High School.

Clinton "Tiny" Forge

A former Negro Leagues player who played for the Detroit Stars in the 1950s and later took up golfing, winning the mayor's Inaugural Golf Tournament in his 80s.

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What they’re saying

“The Tigers mourn the passing of Negro Leagues players Clinton Forge and Ron Teasley. Both regularly attended our Negro Leagues celebrations at Comerica Park.”

— Detroit Tigers (Social media post)

The takeaway

The lives and careers of Ron Teasley and Clinton Forge serve as a reminder of the important contributions of Negro Leagues players to the sport of baseball and their local communities. Their passing highlights the ongoing efforts to preserve the legacy of the Negro Leagues and honor the players who paved the way for the integration of professional baseball.