Eugene “Dick” Scruggs, Sr., an Alabama native celebrated for his work on the Negro Leagues mound, passed away at the age of 87, prompting tributes from former teammates, local historians and the broader baseball community.
From the Diamond to the Boardroom
Scruggs began his professional career with the Detroit Stars in 1956 before moving to the Kansas City Monarchs the following year, where he quickly earned a reputation for a blazing fastball and a deceptive breaking pitch that batters dubbed “that funky curveball.”
One of his most memorable outings came in South Haven, where he threw a complete‑game shutout, striking out 16 batters in a 7‑0 victory that remains a benchmark for Negro League pitching excellence.
Colleagues recall his composure under pressure and his ability to command the game, traits that later informed his disciplined approach to business and community service.
After retiring from baseball, Scruggs founded Associated Contractors, Inc., a janitorial and maintenance company that provided reliable services to commercial clients throughout the region, showcasing the same work ethic that defined his athletic career.
In parallel, he pursued a second vocation as a licensed embalmer and funeral director at Nelms Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville, where he earned respect for his compassionate professionalism and attention to detail.
Mentorship was a cornerstone of his post‑playing life; he trained numerous apprentices, including his grandson, instilling in them a commitment to excellence and integrity that extended beyond the workplace.
Scruggs remained deeply connected to the Negro Leagues heritage, participating in landmark events such as the 75th‑anniversary Negro Leagues reunion in Kansas City and the 50th‑anniversary celebration of Jackie Robinson’s breakthrough in Major League Baseball.
His contributions were formally recognized when he was inducted into the Huntsville‑Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002, cementing his status as a pillar of local sports history.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ethel Scruggs, and a large family that includes children, grandchildren and great‑grandchildren, all of whom continue to honor his memory through the values he imparted.