Ray Brown was a professional baseball player whose career spanned from 1909 to 1929. He began his career playing in the Negro Leagues, where he made a name for himself as a reliable pitcher. Brown was known for his pinpoint accuracy and his ability to throw strikes, earning him the nickname "Cannonball" Brown. He was also known for his signature pitch, the curveball, which he used to great effect.

During his time in the Negro Leagues, Brown had a successful career, winning multiple championships with teams such as the St. Louis Giants and the Chicago American Giants. He also had the opportunity to play with some of the greatest players of the era, such as Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson.

In 1929, Brown was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals, becoming the first African-American pitcher to play in the major leagues. He made his debut on April 15, 1929, and went on to pitch in five games for the Cardinals, finishing with a record of 2-1.

Though his major league career was short, Brown's legacy lives on. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006, and his number, 42, was retired by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1997. He is remembered as a pioneer of the game, paving the way for future African-American players.

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