June 3, 1937 – One of the most prolific power hitters of all time, Josh Gibson of the Homestead Grays in the Negro Leagues, crushed a ball that still makes people gasp in awe. The slugger belted a shot in Yankee Stadium that traveled some 580 feet.
That distance eclipsed anything that the American and National Leagues had to offer, even Mickey Mantle’s 565-foot HR blasted out of Griffith Stadium in 1953 years later. Legend has it that earlier in his career in 1934, Gibson did what no player had ever done, and hit a ball out of the House that Ruth built.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
December 14, 1947: No One Could Catch The Babe!
With all of the hype now delivered and the big day finally arriving, we’ll
The Inspiring Story of Tom “The Bomb” Dempsey
Former NFL kicker Tom Dempsey became a household name when he kicked a 63-yard
December 13, 1947: Get There Early!
With the NFL Western Division title on the line, both the Bears and the
Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears Rivalry of the 1970s
Pro football’s longest-enduring rivalry naturally involves two of its oldest teams, the Green Bay
December 10, 1947: The Big Sneeze
As you may recall from our previous episode in this new mini-series that chronicles
Roll With The “R” – R.I.P. Razor Ramon
This summer I was totally enthralled by the audiobook BLOOD, SWEAT & CHROME by Kyle Buchanan. The
December 7, 1947: The Jekyll and Hyde of the NFL (Chicago Cardinals)
As we kick off our bonus coverage of the 1947 Chicago Cardinals championship run,
Bears vs. Cardinals: The NFL’s Oldest Rivalry Book Preview
In this episode of “When Football Was Football’” Joe Ziemba previews his latest book,