Josh Gibson Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Josh Gibson Jr. |
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| Infielder | |||
| Born: August 11, 1930 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
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| Died: September 10, 2003 (aged 73) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
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| debut | |||
| 1949, for the Homestead Grays | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1952, for the Homestead Grays | |||
| Teams | |||
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Joshua Gibson Jr. (born August 11, 1930 – died September 10, 2003) was an African-American baseball player. He was an infielder, playing positions like second base. Josh Jr. played in the Negro leagues. These were baseball leagues for African-American players. He played for the famous Homestead Grays team.
His father was Josh Gibson Sr.. Josh Sr. was a legendary baseball player. He is in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Many people think his dad was one of the greatest power hitters ever!
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Baseball Career
Josh Gibson Jr. was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on August 11, 1930. His parents were Josh Gibson Sr. and Helen Gibson. Josh Jr. went to Schenley High School. He played second base on his school's baseball team. In 1947, he had a great batting average of .368. This means he got a hit almost 37% of the times he tried. As a teenager, he also played for the Pittsburgh Stars.
Starting in Professional Baseball
In June 1948, when he was 17, Josh Jr. signed with the Youngstown Colts. This team was part of the Middle Atlantic League. He was the very first black player to sign in that league's history.
In 1949, Gibson Jr. joined the Homestead Grays. This was his father's former team. By May, he became the Grays' regular second baseman. Their manager, Sam Bankhead, moved to center field to make room for Josh Jr. He stayed with the Grays in 1950. During this time, he trained under Bankhead and future Hall of Famer Buck Leonard.
Playing for Other Teams
In 1951, both Gibson Jr. and Sam Bankhead left the Grays. They went to play for the Farnham Pirates. This team was in the Provincial League. Josh Jr. played in 68 games for the Pirates. He had a .230 batting average and hit two home runs.
Returning to the Grays
In 1952, Gibson Jr. returned to the Homestead Grays. Vic Harris was the manager then. Sadly, Josh Jr. broke his ankle. This injury led him to retire from baseball early.
Later Life
In 1972, Josh Gibson Jr. spoke at his late father's Baseball Hall of Fame induction. He accepted the honor for his dad. Josh Gibson Jr. passed away on September 10, 2003.
