Johnson (1899–1989), an exceptional third baseman and clutch hitter who batted over .300 lifetime, spent 18 years in the Negro Leagues, mostly with the Pittsburgh Crawfords and the Hilldale Club of Philadelphia. 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 and dominant team ever in the Negro Leagues. Johnson retired from playing baseball after the 1936 season but 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.

As in past years, a number of special activities and events are planned for this year’s Judy Johnson Night. Wilmington Mayor James H. Sills, Jr. will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the on-field introduction of Sharon Robinson — daughter of baseball great Jackie Robinson — and former players of the Negro Leagues, including Wilmington’s own Leroy “Toots” Ferrell and Josh Gibson, Jr. Gibson’s father — a slugging catcher who is best identified with the powerful Homestead–Washington Grays — is considered by many to be the greatest homerun hitter of all time, often being referred to as The Black Babe Ruth. A limited-edition baseball card with original artwork of the elder Gibson by nationally known sports artist Mike Mellett will be given away to the first 5000 fans attending the game.

Other planned highlights include a commemorative postal cancellation issued by the US Postal Service, a silent auction of Negro League and sports memorabilia and collectibles, a sale of Negro League memorabilia, and an autograph session with Josh Gibson, Jr. On the field, players and coaches of the Cannons and Blue Rocks will be wearing replica uniforms of Negro League teams. In addition, two college-bound high school seniors will be awarded $500 Judy Johnson Memorial Scholarships; these awards are based primarily 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 the Blue Rocks’ General Manager, Chris Kemple, c/o Wilmington Blue Rocks, 801 S. Madison Street, Wilmington, DE 19801; Phone: 302-888-2015; Fax: 302-888-2032; E-mail: [email protected]

For more information, please contact Gregg Truitt at:
801 Partridge Court, Hockessin, DE 19707
Phone: 302-234-8288
E-Mail: [email protected]