The following art and text by Michael Hogue of The Dallas Morning News is reproduced here in The Pecan Park Eagle by written permission from Michael Hogue. Today’s portrait features a look at the great Negro Leagues slugger, catcher Josh Gibson. It is our “Offering 5″ in this series and a continuation of this fine Texas artist’s work, Portraits of the Negro Leagues. Thank you again, Michael, for allowing TPPE to further share the beauty and joy of your work with those who care about the Negro Leagues and their place in baseball history.
For more on Michael Hogue’s work, check out his website:
Joshua "Josh" Gibson, Catcher, Negro Leagues, 1930-1946, Hall od Fame, 1972.
Josh Gibson by Michael Hogue of The Dallas Morning News
“Called the ‘Black Babe Ruth,’ Gibson was black baseball’s greatest slugger. His tape-measure home runs came so frequently that they were seen as the norm. He is credited with hitting 962 home runs, including 75 in 1931, 69 in 1934 and 84 in 1936.
“He also hit for average, compiling a .354 lifetime batting average in the Negro Leagues while winning four batting titles. In exhibition games against white major leaguers, Gibson hit over .400.
“Gibson’s hitting overshadowed his defense.
“Washington Senators Hall of Fame pitcher Walter Johnson said of Gibson: ‘There’s catcher that any big-league club would buy for $200,000. — He can hit the ball a mile. He catches the ball so easy he might as well be in a rocking chair. Throws like a rifle.’
“While still clinging to hopes of playing major league ball, Gibson suffered a fatal stroke only a month following his 35th birthday.
“He became the second Negro Leagues star inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.”
Houston, Baseball, & Other Musings.
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