The Associated Press

PLEASANTVILLE, N.J. - Former Negro Leagues pitcher Max Manning, who was once offered a major league tryout only to have it rescinded because of his race, died at 84.

He died Monday at Linwood Convalescent Center after a long illness.

A 6-foot-4 right-hander with a sidearm delivery, Manning was a high school standout who went on to play for the Johnson Stars in nearby Atlantic City.

In 1937, he was contacted by the Detroit Tigers about a tryout, but the offer was withdrawn when the team found out he was black, according to "The Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Baseball Leagues."

His 10-year career with the Newark Eagles was interrupted by service in World War II. After retiring from baseball, he spent 28 years as a sixth-grade teacher in Pleasantville.

"I want him remembered as someone who had strength of character," said daughter Belinda Manning.