George Suttles

George Suttles is the Executive Director of the Commonfund Institute and oversees their educational, market research and professional development initiatives. Additionally, he serves on Commonfund’s Diversity Equity & Inclusion Office.

Suttles was born in Blocton, Alabama on March 31, 1901 and distinguished himself as a power-hitting first baseman in the Negro Leagues. He earned five selections to the East-West All-Star Game.

Early Life and Education

George Suttles was born in 1900 in Blocton, Bibb County, Alabama and was raised in a community that boasted enough Jewish residents for its own synagogue and an active Italian population.

He attended the all-black Blocton High School and played on semipro baseball teams before being drafted to play Negro league ball in the 1930s. Throughout his career, he hit over 300 home runs and twice received recognition as the league’s leading power hitter.

He is one of 17 players from the Negro leagues being inducted into Cooperstown this month, an incredible accomplishment for someone whose talent and accomplishments were overlooked during Major League Baseball’s early years.

Professional Career

George Suttles is a philanthropist who partners with nonprofit organizations to address social problems. He holds a master’s degree in philanthropic studies from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University.

He is currently Director of Research at Commonfund Institute, overseeing their market research and professional development initiatives. Prior to that he served as Program Officer at John A. Hartford Foundation – a private foundation dedicated to improving care for older adults.

Suttles is active with the Hartford Foundation and serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, such as The Laundromat Project and New York Foundation. A native Harlemite himself, Suttles understands firsthand the needs of those within his community.

Achievements and Honors

George Suttles achieved great things during his career. He earned a reputation as an inspiring and hardworking baseball player who made waves in the Negro leagues.

He played for several teams throughout his career and was an impressive hitter. Additionally, he was a great teammate and often served as a mentor to younger players.

In 1933, he was selected to play in the inaugural Negro East-West All-Star game. Additionally, he enjoyed great success as a manager in the Negro Leagues and served as an umpire as well.

Personal Life

George Suttles was a power-hitting first baseman and outfielder who played in the Negro League. He earned himself the nickname “Mule” due to his strength and capacity for carrying teams with his 50-ounce bat.

He began his career working in coal mines of Blocton, Alabama but quickly gained fame among fans when he started hitting massive home runs. Additionally, he led the Newark Eagles in hits and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.

He played professionally for two years with the Atlantic City Bacharach Giants of the Independent Negro League before entering the National Basketball League (1921). Later, he moved on to play for Birmingham Black Barons and St. Louis Stars of the Negro National League, winning league titles in 1928 and 1930 respectively. In 2006 he was inducted into Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. Additionally, he has held various philanthropic roles and served on several nonprofit boards throughout his professional career.

Net Worth

George Suttles, born in Blocton, Bibb County, Alabama and renowned baseball player of the Negro League. He played first base and outfield and was renowned for his power hitting ability.

On February 26th 2021, Suttles’ net worth is estimated to be $22.8 Million. He owns more than 128,299 units of Ovintiv Inc stock which he has sold or exercised more than 43 times since 2017.

Suttles began his tenure at the John A. Hartford Foundation in January as a program officer, where his work is to improve healthcare for older adults. Additionally, he serves on nonprofit boards and volunteers for numerous local organizations such as Odyssey House. With a bachelor’s degree in African-American Studies from Wesleyan University and master’s in philanthropic studies from Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Suttles holds both degrees with distinction.