Position: outfield, first base, and pitcher Bats: left Throws: left

Haggins grew up in a coal mining community in Bibb County, Alabama. His father, Raymond Sr., was a gentle easygoing man. He made a living as a coal miner. Ray considered his dad to be deep thinker. During the early 1900s, blacks didn't have access to many books or reading material, Raymond Sr. bought and read the newspaper every day. Ray would sit alongside his dad and read the comic strips. By his quiet example, he led his son to a lifelong love of reading. Haggins remembers his mother as a very wise woman. She worked hard to prepare her children for adult life and taught them the value of education, honesty, and the importance of treating all people with respect. Haggins had three siblings: one brother and two sisters (one who was 18 years his junior).

As a child, Raymond Haggins played baseball with his buddies in the schoolyard or "any other place that was convenient." He remembers using tin cans and rocks and homemade balls. They would cut-off broom or mop handles to use as bats. They would use whatever they needed to play baseball.

During high school, Haggins played sandlot baseball with U.S. Pipe Shop, a Y.M.C.A. League team. In those days, sandlot ball had a large following. One Saturday, Haggins had a hit that was key to his team winning the game. As he rounded the bases to home plate, and returned to his dugout, the fans tossed money onto the field for him. What a thrill! He had enough cash to take his girlfriend to the movies that night.

Ray took up secondary education at the Tennessee School of Religion - Montevello extension. He studied religious education and theology.

Haggins played for the Nashville Cubs and the House of David before he joined the military in 1951. One memorable moment came while he was with the House of David. He recalls blasting three home runs in one game.

The U.S. Army called on Haggins in 1951. He was assigned to the 5016-ASU MP Attachment. His baseball career continued through two years of Army service. As a soldier, Haggins played right field for the Camp Crowder Clippers (in Missouri). Haggins' most memorable moment from military ball came on a day when the fans were shouting for a pitcher to strike him out. Haggins hit an out-of-the-park home run and took his time (about three minutes!) running the bases.

Following his military time, Haggins spent a part of the 1953 season with the Birmingham Black Barons before playing with the Memphis Red Sox for four seasons (1953-55, and 1958). His batting average was 320 or better every year he played in the NLB. He also played in three East-West All Star games at Chicago's Comisky Park stadium and barnstormed against the Major League All Stars those same three years (1953, 1954, 1955).

While Haggins has many great memories of playing ball, he recalls some less pleasant times as well. While the team was required to travel to different cities throughout the season they encountered many prejudice situations while trying to stay a night in a hotel room. Although this made things difficult, Raymond never let this behavior turn him bitter. He lived as a positive man and accomplished quite a life for himself.

Haggins was married and raised five children. He worked at a local machine shop for thirty-nine years before retiring. Ray enjoys spending time in his garden. He tries to experiment with the different vegetables that he grows.