Charles Earle

Charles Babcock Earle (March 31, 1884 – March 14, 1945) was a Negro leagues pitcher and manager for several years before the founding of the first Negro National League. Early life An early mention of Charles Earle in the Meriden papers was his membership in the First Congregational Church of Meriden in 1895 "There was singing by a quartet of boys from the First Congregational Church (of Meriden)" which included Charles Earle (Age 11). Also, in July 1901, "J. W. Logan and the First Congregational Sunday school boys, who camped out at Westbrook for two weeks, have returned home" including Charles Earle. (Age 17). Meriden High School Academic and Athletic Career Charles Babcock Earle had an outstanding academic and athletic career at MHS from 1901 to his graduation in 1904. He starred in football and baseball for each of his four years. He missed the 1902 football season because of typhoid fever. As one reporter wrote on October 4, 1902 in the Meriden Daily Journal, "CHARLES EARLE GETTING BETTER. Many friends of Charles Earle, thought to be the "greatest halfback the MHS ever had," have visited him at the Meriden hospital this week and report that Earle is fast regaining his lost health and will soon be able to be out. At present he is able to sit in a chair. Earle has been very ill with typhoid fever and at one time there was little hope for his ultimate recovery but he will probably not be well enough to get into the game this year. The "doughty little back" was taken ill during vacation and went to see a doctor. The physician told him that he would probably be quite ill and advised him to go to the hospital. The next day Earle started for the institution on foot and when he arrived there he went to bed. Up to a few days ago he had not left his bed since his sickness. He is a mere shadow of himself but that is to be expected after his prolonged illness. He has "many admirers" at the school and outside and they have kept him well supplied with flowers and reading matter.