James L. Key

 

Legends (Fast-pitch)

 

Inducted 2001

 

James ‘Buddy’ Key played fast-pitch softball from 1954 through 1962 in the Portsmouth Wythe Street League.  This fast-pitch league was considered to be the best in the State of Virginia.  Buddy played for Hagwood’s and Parker’s, both of which were perennial champions.  Each year, he was the unanimous selection as the league All-Star First-Baseman.  In addition, newspaper articles reported his career batting average to be around .350 and the type of player who could carry a team with his bat and glove.  The newspaper  reporters  classified  him  as the greatest first-baseman of his time.  He made famous the expression, “Key Stretch.”