Josh Gibson Hall of Fame Induction 50th Anniversary
In 1972, Josh Gibson became only the second Negro League player to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Gibson, who was born in Buena Vista, GA, moved to Pittsburgh with his family when he was 12 and went on to play for both of Pittsburgh's Negro League baseball teams – the Homestead Grays and Pittsburgh Crawfords. Baseball historians consider Gibson among the best power hitters and catchers in baseball history, hitting close to 800 home runs over his career. To celebrate Gibson's legacy and the 50th anniversary of his Hall of Fame induction, the Pirates partnered with the Josh Gibson Foundation to host Gibson's Hall of Fame plaque at PNC Park on August 3 and 4, giving fans the rare chance to see the plaque outside of its home in Cooperstown, NY. Additionally, the Pirates were proud to host the Gibson Foundation for a fundraising luncheon at PNC Park on August 5, where the Foundation honored a number of local community members for their work in making Pittsburgh a better place, including Mayor Ed Gainey and Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes.