By Pam J Henderson
Jake Early Sporting News October 30, 1941.
Jake was a catcher when his career begins in 1936 with Minor League Jacksonville Tars of the SAL League. In 1938 he moves up to Charlotte hornets of the Piedmont League.
Jake made his major league debut with the Washington Senators in 1939. He mostly was used as a backup for Rick Farrell. Early was known for his distracting chatter on the batter even breaking into song.
By 1943 he was considered as one of the best defensive catchers in Baseball. Known for his expertise in catching knuckle balls. He makes the All Star team in 1943. In December 1943 he gets called for Military duty during World War Two. He was assigned to an artillery unit in the 87th Infantry Unit and fought in The Battle of the Bulge. Jake ends up losing 2 years of playing while serving in the Army.
After his discharge he returns to Washington in 1946 . His absence would show as he had a bad hitting slump and his batting average suffered and ended being traded to the St. Louis Browns in 1947. He returns back to Washington in 1948 and had decent success with his defensive play. 1949 would find Early splitting playing time with the Senators and farm team Chattanooga Lookouts. After being released by the Senators in 1950 he went on to play 5 more seasons in the minors. Jake would live to be 70 years old.
