By the time James “Nature Boy” Williams joined the Indianapolis Clowns in 1955 the team had become a full-time barnstorming attraction, having dropped out of the Negro American League which itself was in its death throes.
Later that season The Washington Afro-American said:
“Williams already has become the fans’ number one idol. His side-splitting antics and peculiar catches around first base have won rave notices.”
The 6’ 2” 220 pound Williams spent more than a decade with the clowns and was known for batting barefoot, playing with the large glove–as pictured–and dancing at first base with umpires.
Jet Magazine reported in 1964:
“Williams played the entire 1963 season with his right eye completely blind due to an off-season accident and without even his teammates knowing his condition.”
The Clowns played their last full season of tour dates in 1988, the team officially disbanded after playing a few games in 1989.
Williams died in Maryland in 1980 at the age of 50.
Baseball History Daily 
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