Josh Gibson

Josh Gibson, (born Dec. 21, 1911, Buena Vista, Ga,. U.S.—died Jan. 20, 1947, Pittsburgh, Pa.) American professional baseball catcher who was one of the most prodigious home run hitters in the game’s history. Known as “the black Babe Ruth,” Gibson is considered to be the greatest player who never played in the major leagues—owing to the unwritten rule (enforced until the year of his death) against hiring black ballplayers.