Edinboro University graduate Sean Gibson ('95) recently penned an essay in "The Undefeated," ESPN's pop culture publication, highlighting the achievements of Negro League legend Josh Gibson.
His article, "Why the MVP award should be renamed after Negro Leagues great Josh Gibson," was published on Aug. 12 in the online platform. The Edinboro grad explains that "removing Kenesaw Mountain Landis' name and changing it to the 'Josh Gibson MVP Award' would be an act of redemption."
Here's an excerpt from his piece, which can be read in its entirety at ESPN "The Undefeated":
There is a growing movement within the Baseball Writers' Association of America to remove the name of Kenesaw Mountain Landis, Major League Baseball's first commissioner, from its MVP trophies. A number of past MLB MVP winners and others in the game are showing great support for this initiative, including former MVP and Cincinnati Reds star Barry Larkin, who told the Associated Press that he is aware of Landis' name and "what that meant to slowing the color line in Major League Baseball."
Among those who have been suggested to replace Landis include Hall of Famers Branch Rickey, Frank Robinson and the legendary Josh Gibson — the best power hitter in the game, hitting almost 800 home runs in his career.
As his great-grandson, it is an honor to see Gibson among the names being considered for the trophy along with two other worthy candidates. Rickey dared to sign Jackie Robinson as the first Black player in the league while the sport — and most of the country — was still segregated. Frank Robinson remains the only player to win the MVP in both the American and National leagues. Both men deserve strong consideration, but only Gibson was denied the chance to win an MLB MVP award because Landis did not integrate baseball as its first commissioner.
Wouldn't it be fitting for Gibson's name to be on the trophy? He likely would have been a multiyear MVP awardee in the majors during Landis' tenure if the award had existed, and if Black players were given an opportunity to play in the majors. In fact, it would be more than fitting, it would be poetic justice.
In the storied history of the Negro Leagues, it was Gibson who personified baseball superstardom, and he should have been able to perform for all to see alongside his 1930s and 1940s contemporaries: Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams. If the barriers between the races did not exist, the MLB would have been all the richer for the competition, the storylines, the sheer drama and pinnacle of play that the likes of Gibson would have brought to the major league games. But like so much of American society in the first half of the 20th century, MLB chose and countenanced division, separation and justice for some, but not all. As recent incidents have shown, it is a price we continue to pay even now. But this is not a conversation about what might have been, but about redemption.
Sean L. Gibson, executive director of the Josh Gibson Foundation, was recognized in 2019 for his service to the community and dedication to Pittsburgh youth with the Martin Luther Kink, Jr. Award from Edinboro University.
Through providing access to recreation facilities and education to Pittsburgh youth, Gibson continues the undeniable legacy of his great-grandfather, Josh Gibson, a longtime Negro League baseball player who was known as the "Black Babe Ruth." The Edinboro University graduate honors the achievements of his relative though the Josh Gibson Foundation, which was established as a nonprofit in 1994.
"Through exposure to life skills coaching and educational support, the Josh Gibson Foundation has become an instrument for positive change in the Pittsburgh community," said Allison Flynn, director of regional development at Edinboro University, who nominated Gibson for the award. "Sean has created a safe haven where our future legends can focus on preparing for college, successful careers and learning the game of baseball."
