Grave Story: Hilton Smith (1907-1983)

June 7, 2022 ~ Sam Gazdziak ~ 3 Comments

Here lies Hilton Smith, one of the greatest pitchers in the history of the Negro Leagues. And the reason he isn’t celebrated more today is because he was frequently teammates with the greatest pitcher in the history of the Negro Leagues – and who wouldn’t be overshadowed by Satchel Paige? Smith played for the Monroe … Continue reading Grave Story: Hilton Smith (1907-1983)

Obituary: “Jumping” Johnny Wilson (1927-2019)

January 13, 2019 ~ Sam Gazdziak ~ 1 Comment

RIP to "Jumping" Johnny Wilson, who was the oldest surviving member of the famed Harlem Globetrotters basketball team. He was a multi-talented athlete was was also a member of the 1949 Chicago American Giants of the Negro Leagues. He died on Friday, January 11 at the age of 91. According to news reports, he had … Continue reading Obituary: “Jumping” Johnny Wilson (1927-2019)