Quote:
Originally Posted by Baseball Rarities
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incannon’s genealogical background played a role in his life as a mixed-race man in the Jim Crow era. The 1910 Census classified Kincannon and his parents as “mulatto.”5 In 1942, when he registered for the World War II draft, he was described as a “negro” with “gray eyes” and a “light brown” complexion.6 Based on his physical appearance, Kincannon was able to “pass” as white and test some of the racial boundaries of the era, including being served in “whites only” businesses.7 For example, Kincannon, who was known for his good sense of humor, could enter a whites-only ice cream parlor without causing a stir, and enjoy his cone while he taunted his Negro League teammates who were denied entrance.8 But just in case any given situation went awry, Kincannon kept a pistol in his pocket – a personal insurance policy that he carried throughout his life