Sunday, April 11, 2010

a nod to the negro leagues

A statue of Josh Gibson at bat greets fans at the left field gate of PNC Park.

Oscar Charleston heads a line of Negro League player statues.

PNC Park offers a unique tribute to the rich history of the Negro Leagues in Pittsburgh. Statues of Negro League greats Josh Gibson, Satchel Paige, Cool Papa Bell, Judy Johnson, Smokey Joe Williams, and Buck Leonard are installed inside the left field gate. All played for either the local Homestead Grays or Pittsburgh Crawfords. Each life-size bronze statue has an interactive kiosk that allows fans to trace the history of the players, teams, and leagues. By the time I finished taking pictures of each statue (Satchel Paige, so long and lean, Judy Johnson, like a jockey), I had no time to go interactive. That was OK, though. The statues are marvelous.