A Life Across Leagues and Generations
Eugene “Dick” Scruggs, Sr., born in Meridianville, Alabama, emerged as one of the most formidable pitchers in the Negro Leagues during a period when talent was often overlooked by the mainstream.
He honed his craft in industrial leagues before joining the ranks of the Moore's Mill Red Sox, later showcasing his fastball and a signature “funky curveball” with the Detroit Stars and Kansas City Monarchs. A 1937 outing in South Haven, Michigan, saw him deliver a shutout, fanning 16 batters in a 7‑0 victory that still resonates in baseball folklore.
From the Mound to the Mortuary
After hanging up his glove, Scruggs founded Associated Contractors, Inc., a janitorial and maintenance firm that served commercial clients across Alabama. His entrepreneurial spirit continued as he earned a license as an embalmer and funeral director, joining the staff at Nelms Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville, where he trained apprentices and mentored his grandson, passing down a work ethic rooted in professionalism.
Scruggs remained deeply connected to the baseball community, holding memberships in historic organizations and participating in reunions such as the 75th anniversary Negro Leagues gathering in Kansas City. In 2002, his contributions were formally recognized when he was inducted into the Huntsville–Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame, cementing his place in Alabama sports history.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ethel Scruggs, and a large family that includes children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren. His legacy endures not only in the record books of Negro Leagues baseball but also in the countless lives he touched through his business ventures and community service.