Judy Johnson

A TRIBUTE TO NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL

The first organized league of black professional baseball players ― the Negro National League ― was founded in 1920 under the leadership of Hall of Famer Rube Foster.  The motto of this midwestern league was “We are the Ship ― All else the Sea”, symbolizing the league’s relationship with the all-white major and minor baseball leagues.  In 1923, the Eastern Colored League was formed, and the first Colored World Series was held between the two leagues in 1924.  That year, in an exciting 10-game series, the legendary Kansas City Monarchs defeated the Hilldale Club of Philadelphia 5 games to 4 with 1 tie.  Of note, long-time Wilmington-area resident William (Judy) Johnson (1899–1989), who was an exceptional defensive third baseman and clutch hitter who batted over .300 lifetime, played for Hilldale in that inaugural World Series. 

On Saturday, August 16th, the State of Delaware and City of Wilmington will co-sponsor the THIRTEENTH ANNUAL JUDY JOHNSON NIGHT — A TRIBUTE TO NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL, honoring the memory and legacy of Judy Johnson.  The Carolina League (Class A) game between the Wilmington Blue Rocks (Kansas City) and the Salem Avalanche (Houston) will be played at Wilmington’s Judy Johnson Field at Daniel S. Frawley Stadium, with pregame ceremonies beginning at 5:35 PM.

As in past years, the Judy Johnson Memorial Foundation plans a number of special activities and events for this year’s Judy Johnson Night.  As in past years, there will be an on field introduction of former players of the Negro Leagues.  This year’s honoree will be Stanley (Doc) Glenn), a former catcher for the Philadelphia Stars. Past honorees of Judy Johnson Night have included Judy Johnson (1996), Buck O’Neil (1997), Gene Benson (1998), Josh Gibson (1999), Leroy (Toots) Ferrell (2000), Leon Day (2001), Jackie Robinson (2002), Buck Leonard (2003), Ted (Double Duty) Radcliffe (2004), Bill (Ready) Cash (2005), Mahlon Duckett (2006), and Harold Gould (2007).  Other planned highlights will include autograph sessions with former Negro League players, a commemorative postal cancellation issued by the US Postal Service, a silent auction of Negro League and sports memorabilia and collectibles, and a sale of Negro League memorabilia.  On the field, players and coaches of the Blue Rocks and Avalanche will be wearing replica uniforms of Negro League teams.  In addition, two college bound high school seniors will be awarded Judy Johnson Memorial Scholarships.  These awards are based on sportsmanship, and recipients are selected from participants in the Annual Blue-Gold (Delaware) All-Star Baseball Game.

Anyone interested in attending this special event should contact the Blue Rocks’ Ticket Office at 302 888 BLUE (2583).  Requests from the media should be addressed to Chris Kemple, c/o the Wilmington Blue Rocks, 801 S. Madison Street, Wilmington, DE 19801; Phone: 302-888 2015; Fax: 302-888-2032; E mail: info@bluerocks.com
Web: www.bluerocks.com

About William (Judy) Johnson:

Judy Johnson began his professional baseball career in 1921 and spent 16 years in the Negro Leagues, mostly with Hilldale and the Pittsburgh Crawfords.  In 1935, Johnson captained the Negro National League champion Crawfords, which boasted four other future Hall of Famers — Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, Oscar Charleston, and Cool Papa Bell.  Many baseball researchers and historians consider the 1935 Pittsburgh Crawfords to be the most talented team ever in the Negro Leagues.  Johnson retired from playing baseball after the 1936 season, but he remained active as a scout and coach for the Philadelphia Athletics and Phillies for nearly 50 years.  In 1975, Johnson was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.  For over 5 decades, Johnson and his wife, Anita, lived in Marshallton, Delaware.  In 1995, their Marshallton home on Kiamensi Avenue was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

For more additional information, please contact Gregg Truitt at
801 Partridge Court, Hockessin, DE 19707
Phone: 302-886-7519; Fax: 302-885-5341; E-mail: gregg.truitt@astrazeneca.com
The Judy Johnson Memorial Foundation is a 501(c3) organization (ID# 72-1523250).