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Induction
Information
Elected to Hall of Fame by Negro Leagues Committee in 1972,
Negro LeaguerBorn: December 21, 1911, in Buena Vista,
Georgia
Died: January 20, 1947, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Primary Position: Catcher
Bats: R Throws: R
Played For: Pittsburgh Crawfords (1930-1937), Homestead
Grays (1937-1946)
Bio
A tragic and legendary figure, Josh Gibson was the greatest power
hitter in black baseball, pounding out home runs with regularity
despite playing most of his career in two of baseball's most
cavernous ballparks: Forbes Field and Griffith Stadium. He utilized
a fluid, compact swing to hit for both average and power, and tales
of his mammoth home runs became legend. In recorded at-bats against
big league pitching, Gibson batted .426. He died just three months
before the integration of baseball in the major leagues.
Did You Know... that Josh Gibson got his start with
Homestead of the Negro National League in July of 1930 when he came
out of the stands to replace the Grays' injured catcher? |