From Lewisville to the Negro Leagues: The Legacy of Hubert "Country" Glenn

Lewisville, North Carolina, has a rich sports heritage, highlighted by the remarkable journey of Hubert "Country" Glenn, a native son who made his mark in Negro League baseball.

Born on July 13, 1916, in Lewisville, Glenn's baseball career began in the 1930s with various industrial teams. His talent and dedication led him to debut in the Negro Leagues in 1943 with the Philadelphia Stars. Over the next several years, he showcased his skills with teams like the New York Black Yankees and the Indianapolis Clowns. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 185 pounds, Glenn was renowned not only for his athletic prowess but also for his reputation as a "good ball player" and a "gentleman." 

Glenn's impact extended beyond the United States. In the early 1950s, he played professionally in Canada, leading the Claresholm Meteors to a Foothills League title in his first season. His performance was stellar, winning 17 games and striking out 207 batters in 166 innings. Offensively, he was equally impressive, batting .535 with 17 doubles, 4 triples, and 9 home runs in just 99 at-bats. 

His obituary reported Glenn playing for the following teams: 

From mid-1930s to 1942, Taylorsville, Lewisville, N.C., Clemmons, Salisbury Yellow Jackets and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.; 1938 to 1942, Bishop Stateliners (coal mining team), Branham, Kentucky, (coal mining team), and Winston-Salem Pond Giants; 1941 to 1943, Lenoir Indians (furniture company team); 1943 to 1945, Philadelphia Stars; 1946, Brooklyn Brown Dodgers; 1947, Philadelphia Stars; 1948, New York Black Yankees; 1949, Indianapolis Clowns; 1950, San Francisco Cubs; 1951 to 1954, Claresholm Meteors, (Alberta, Canada), Canadian Foothills Wheat Belt League, (won League Championship two years); and 1954, Carmanngay Eagles (Canadian Foothills Wheat Belt League, won Carmanngay Baseball Tournament). 

The story of Hubert Glenn serves as a testament to the rich sports history of Lewisville, North Carolina. His journey from local fields to international acclaim reflects the town's enduring passion for athletics and its ability to produce individuals who excel on and off the field.