Josh Gibson Field: A Historic Landmark of Negro Leagues Baseball
Located in the heart of the Hill District in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Josh Gibson Field stands as a testament to the rich legacy of the Negro Leagues. Once known as Ammon Field, this venue served as a critical stage for some of the most talented athletes in baseball history, most notably the legendary slugger Josh Gibson.
The field's history is deeply intertwined with the evolution of professional baseball in Pittsburgh, reflecting both the triumphs of the athletes and the complex social dynamics of the early 20th century.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Location: 2217 Bedford Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- Original Name: Ammon Field (named after playground pioneer Edith Darlington Ammon).
- Renamed: Officially renamed for Josh Gibson in 2008.
- Historical Significance: The site where Josh Gibson began his career in 1929.
- Hall of Fame Connection: Josh Gibson was the second Negro leagues player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame (1972).
- Current Tenant: Josh Gibson Little League.
The Legacy of Josh Gibson
Josh Gibson, often referred to as the "black Babe Ruth," was one of the most formidable home run hitters in the history of the sport. His professional journey began at Ammon Field in 1929 while playing for the Pittsburgh Crawfords. Throughout his career, Gibson was a mainstay at the field, as both the Crawfords and the Homestead Grays frequently used the venue for their games.
Despite his immense talent, Gibson's life was cut short by a stroke in 1947 at the age of 35. His contributions to the game were formally recognized decades later when he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.
The Rivalry: Crawfords vs. Grays
In its early years, the Pittsburgh Crawfords began as a youth semi-pro team. They quickly gained a reputation for excellence, attracting high-profile matchups against white teams. A notable example occurred on June 15, 1930, when the Crawfords defeated W.O.W., the defending champions of the white Greater Pittsburgh Semipro Tournament, with a score of 9–8.
Strategic Maneuvers and Competition
The success of the Crawfords did not go unnoticed by Cum Posey, the owner and manager of the Homestead Grays. To undermine his competition, Posey employed several strategic tactics. In 1929, he convinced Crawfords manager Hooks Tinker to hire Seward "See" Posey as a part-time assistant and booker.
This arrangement led to controversial practices. While amateur games were legally free to the public, See Posey reportedly restricted access during a 1930 tournament, forcing fans to make contributions at a single gate guarded by police. This maneuver reportedly netted $2,000 in small bills. Eventually, the Posey brothers succeeded in luring Josh Gibson away from the Crawfords to play for the Grays.
Evolution of the Field
The physical location of the field has shifted over time. In the 1940s, due to a low-cost housing project, Ammon Field was moved one block west from its original site. Over time, the venue was reconfigured into two smaller fields designed for youth leagues.
To preserve the site's history, a Pennsylvania Historical Marker was designated on September 23, 1996. The marker commemorates Gibson as the Negro Leagues' greatest slugger, noting his estimated 800 home runs and his tenure with both the Homestead Grays and the Pittsburgh Crawfords from 1930 to 1946.
The field underwent a significant renovation between 2008 and 2009, costing $292,000. The project was managed by the Massaro Corporation, with Sports Turf Specialties serving as a main contractor to install the current grass turf surface.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 2217 Bedford Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Opened | 1928 |
| Surface | Grass turf |
| Renovation Cost | $292,000 (2008–09) |
| Historical Marker | Designated September 23, 1996 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the field originally called Ammon Field?
The field was named in honor of Edith Darlington Ammon, who was a pioneer in the establishment of playgrounds within the city of Pittsburgh.
Who is Josh Gibson and why is the field named after him?
Josh Gibson was a legendary Negro Leagues slugger known as the "black Babe Ruth." The field is named after him because he began his professional baseball career there in 1929.
Which teams historically played at this venue?
The Pittsburgh Crawfords and the Homestead Grays both regularly played at the field during the era of the Negro Leagues.
When was the field renovated and who performed the work?
The field was renovated from 2008 to 2009. The general contractor was the Massaro Corporation, and Sports Turf Specialties served as one of the main contractors.
What does the historical marker at the site state?
The marker hails Josh Gibson as the Negro Leagues' greatest slugger, mentions his approximately 800 home runs, his play for the Grays and Crawfords from 1930-46, and his 1972 induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.