The Pittsburgh Post Gazette was nearly a decade ahead of its time in 1938 when it named Brown, ‘‘Cool Papa’’ Bell, Josh Gibson, Buck Leonard and Satchel Paige as five players the Pirates should sign in order to guarantee a pennant. The strong, durable, right-handed Brown was the master of the curve ball, anchoring the Homestead Gray rotation during their Negro League dynasty years when they won eight pennants, 1937-45. A switch-hitter, Brown also played the outfield.