Josh Gibson
To continue the celebration of Black History month, this article will honor Josh Gibson. Gibson has an incredibly unique story. He was born in Buena Vista, Georgia on December 21, 1911. Upon the completion of the fifth grade, Josh entered a trade school. Two years later, in 1926, the family was moved to Pittsburg and Gibson dropped out of school. He was very athletic and played almost every sport but loved baseball.
During his playing years, Gibson was referred to as the, “black Babe Ruth” due to his home run power. His career started in 1929. Most of his career he played for the Homestead Grays and Pittsburg Crawfords in the Negro Leagues. Negro Leagues did a poor job recording game statistics. Unknown and inaccurate numbers fed myths and fables about Gibson. One story was told that Gibson hit 84 home runs in a single season. Ruth set the single season home run record in Major League Baseball in 1927 with 60. That record stood until 1961 when Roger Maris hit 61. That record was untouched until 1998. Now, the single season record is 73 home runs, set by Barry Bonds in 2001. Eighty years later, Gibson still shatters the record. In addition, baseball writers say he hit 800, 900 and up to 1000 career home runs. Easily surpassing Home Run King Barry Bonds’ 762 career home runs. Barnstorming in the off-season and playing in various leagues in Mexico, Cuba, and Puerto Rico may bring truth to home run numbers. He was the best. Giants outfielder Monte Irvin was quoted saying, “he was the greatest player he has ever seen black or white”; and he played with legends Willie Mays and Hank Aaron.
Gibson never played against any white teams. At this time, baseball was completely segregated. What was known as the “Gentleman’s Agreement” prevented integration of the sport. The ramifications of this unwritten rule influenced baseball for over 60 years. These were truly dark times in baseball. Hall of Famers Walter Johnson and Bob Feller made comments referring to his skin color as an undeniable barrier that will prevent him from being successful in the Major Leagues. Gibson led the Negro Leagues in home runs in 10 consecutive seasons and the Grays won nine pennants in a row. Team owners and white players in the Major League disregarded his success in the Negro League and believe success would not transfer from one league to the other.
Gibson died at the young age of 35. A tragic life was said to be the cause of the stroke. He died in January 1947. Just three months’ shy of Jackie Robinson’s debut for the Dodgers. In 1972 he was inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame- without ever playing a Major League game.
