Josh Gibson Jr. Explained

Josh Gibson Jr.
Position:Infielder
Birth Date:August 11, 1930
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Death Date:
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Bats:Right
Throws:Right
Debutleague:Negro leagues
Debutyear:1949
Debutteam:Homestead Grays
Finalleague:Negro leagues
Finalyear:1952
Finalteam:Homestead Grays
Teams:

Joshua Gibson Jr. (August 11, 1930 – September 10, 2003) was an African-American baseball infielder in the Negro leagues. He played for the Homestead Grays in 1949, 1950 and 1952. He also played with the Farnham Pirates in the Provincial League in 1951. His father, Hall of Famer Josh Gibson Sr., played in the Negro leagues, and is considered one of the greatest power hitters in baseball history.[1]

Career

Gibson was born August 11, 1930, in Pittsburgh, the son of Josh Gibson Sr., and Helen Gibson. His mother died while giving birth to Josh and his twin-sister Helen.[2] Gibson attended Schenley High School and played second base on the school's baseball team. He batted .368 in 1947 and also played for the Pittsburgh Stars as a teenager.[3]

He was first signed by the Youngstown Colts of the Middle Atlantic League in June 1948 at age 17, the first black player signed in the league's history.[4] Gibson then joined his father's former team, the Homestead Grays, in 1949. Gibson was the Grays' regular second baseman by May, after manager Sam Bankhead, who had formerly occupied second base, moved himself to center field.[5] He remained with the club in 1950, training under Bankhead and future Hall of Famer Buck Leonard.[6]

Both Gibson and Bankhead left the Grays in 1951 for the Farnham Pirates of the Provincial League.[7] In 68 games, he had a .230 batting average with two home runs.[8]

In 1952, Gibson returned to the Grays under manager Vic Harris,[9] but a broken ankle led to his early retirement.[2]

He spoke at his late-father's Baseball Hall of Fame induction in 1972, accepting the honor on his behalf.[10]

Gibson died on September 10, 2003, as a result of a fall.[2]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Riley, James A. . The Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Baseball Leagues . New York . Carroll & Graf . 1994 . 0-7867-0959-6 .
  2. Web site: Dyer, Ervin. Son of baseball great who followed father into Negro Leagues. 43. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Newspapers.com. September 12, 2003. February 16, 2022.
  3. Web site: Negro Star in Mid Loop. 28. Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. Newspapers.com. June 20, 1948. February 16, 2022.
  4. Web site: Sports News in Brief. 7. The Daily Courier. Newspapers.com. June 24, 1948. February 16, 2022.
  5. Web site: Josh Gibson Jr. Steps Into His Daddy's Shoes. 3. California Eagle. Newspapers.com. May 5, 1949. February 16, 2022.
  6. Web site: Josh Gibson, Jr., Follows Footsteps of Famous Father as Gray's Slugger. 12. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Newspapers.com. August 1, 1950. February 16, 2022.
  7. Web site: Farnham Diamond Fans Just Wild About Bankhead. 15. Pittsburgh Courier. Newspapers.com. September 8, 1951. February 16, 2022.
  8. Web site: Joshua Gibson at Baseball-Reference (Minors). baseball-reference.com. February 16, 2022.
  9. Web site: Homestead Grays Meet NBC Champs In Toledo Program. 35. Sandusky Register. Newspapers.com. July 24, 1952. February 16, 2022.
  10. Web site: Eight Elite of Their Profession Inducted Into BB Hall of Fame. 208. New York Daily News. Newspapers.com. August 8, 1972. February 16, 2022.

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