There are condolences waiting approval on Mahlon's Tribute wall
Celebrating the life of Mahlon N. Duckett
Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Mahlon.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Mahlon N. Duckett
A Viewing and Service is scheduled Monday, July 20, 2015
Viewing: 9:00 a.m.
St. Matthew A.M.E. Church 215 North 57th Street (57th & Summer Street) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19139
Service at 11:00 a.m.
Interment Ivy Hill Cemetery 1201 Easton Road Philadelphia, PA 19150
LIFE STORY
MAHLON N. DUCKETT December 20, 1922 – July 12, 2015 The Philadelphia Stars - Negro Leagues Baseball Player
Mahlon Duckett Passed away Sunday, July 12, 2015 surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was 92 years old. Although 92, his passing was sudden and unexpected. “Our dad lived a long, wonderful life”, said his daughter Dr. Mahlene Duckett Lee, “and his legacy of love and compassion will always be a part of us”. We knew him as “Dad” or “Gramps”, but most knew him as a Negro League ballplayer. Mahlon played in the Negro Leagues from 1940-1950. For all but one of those years, he was a member of the Philadelphia Stars team; spending his last year in the League with the Homestead Grays. Mahlon was a native Philadelphian; a graduate of Overbrook High School. While at Overbrook, he was a member of the City Champion 4x1 Relay Team. He was known as a speedster, which served him well when he entered professional baseball. Although Mahlon loved track and field, baseball was his true passion. He signed with the Philadelphia Stars at the age of 17; and was named Rookie of the Year in 1940. Mahlon has received many honors and much recognition for his years as a ball player. In 2008, he appeared in HBO’s documentary, the Blacklist, which chronicled the achievements of African Americans in various fields, from sports to politics. Also in 2008, Mahlon was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in a ceremonial draft by Major League Baseball at the Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida as a tribute to all Negro League players who were prevented from playing in Major League Baseball prior to the integration of the game; and was a guest of honor, interviewed by the renown Peter Gammons, former ESPN Sports Analyst, at the final game at the old Yankee Stadium to recall the night he hit a homerun against Satchel Paige at the Stadium. His son, Ronald, recalls the many conversations he had with our dad who remembered that homerun as a highlight of his career. In 2011, Mahlon was honored by the National Association of Black Journalists at their convention here in Philadelphia. Locally, Mahlon was interviewed by anchors Ukee Washington, Pat Ciarrocchi, and the Phillies Director of Public Affairs, Scott Palmer on many occasions. He was also a frequent guest at Citizens Bank Park where he enjoyed talking with the current players. Mahlon received many other honors over the years, but was always happiest when he spoke with young people about the history of the Negro Leagues and the time he spent playing baseball. Mahlon is survived by daughters Janice Council, Shirley Duckett, Beverly Marshall, Mahlene Duckett Lee, Crystal Duckett; son, Ronald Duckett; 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 20, 2015 at St. Matthew A.M.E. Church, 215 N. 57th Street, Philadelphia, PA. A viewing will be held from 9:00am-11:00am with the Service following at 11:00am In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Phillies Charities/Urban Youth Academy. The Phillies, One Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA 19148