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HENDRICKS, ELROD

December 22, 1940

A colorful dynamic athlete, Elrod Hendricks is the son of Berecia Callendar and Arthur Hendricks. (deceased) Born on December 22, 1940 Elrod was always fascinated by the performance of outstanding athletes, and set his life goal as becoming a superior figure in his field.

To achieve this objective, he chose to forfeit a high school diploma and when he was approached by a scout from the Braves Farm Team, he gladly accepted. So in 1960 he joined this team and began special training. When he was released, he traveled to Mexico and did very well there, thus earning for himself, the affectionate name of "The Mexican Babe Ruth". After Mexico he traveled to Puerto Rico and for several years played there during the winter season.

With skillful displays on the field it was not long before he entered Major League Baseball. In 1969 he joined the Orioles, and was assigned the Strategic position of Catcher.

He eventually chalked up for himself an outstanding record by using all his capabilities at the right moment.

Elrod has the distinction of being the first St. Thomian to participate in three World Series games, namely 1969, 1970, 1971. (Prior to him Joe Christopher of St. Croix participated in one series with the Pittsburgh Pirates).

In the fall of 1969, a committee of sportsminded citizens on St. Thomas, planned an extravaganza which was called "Elrod Hendricks Day". A marathon was held to arouse further awareness and interest of the community to the achievements of this dynamic athlete. The response was over-whelming; the citizenry turned out in mass to express esteem for his contribution to the world of sports. He was presented with a car and other tokens of appreciation.

Elrod who resides in Baltimore, Maryland is presently the father of two sons and two daughters whose names are Abigail, Elrod Jr., Elroy, and Berecia