ABOUT THE JOSH GIBSON FOUNDATION

Considered one of the greatest home run hitters, most feared sluggers of any era, and called by many “the Black Babe Ruth”, Josh Gibson left an undeniable legacy of greatness and accomplishment.

To honor that legacy of achievement, the surviving family members established a private, non-profit foundation in 1994.

Our goal was initially to provide the type of access that Josh Gibson never enjoyed with the creation of facilities and baseball fields dedicated to the youth of the Pittsburgh community.

The Josh Gibson Foundation has evolved into an organization dedicated to providing a variety of academic and athletic programs that allow the next Josh Gibson to reach his or her potential. In addition, another goal is the establishment of the Josh Gibson Negro League Museum. Because preserving a heritage of achievement helps inspire the accomplishments of tomorrow.

VISION

The Josh Gibson Foundation strives to unleash every child’s unlimited potential.

MISSION

Our mission is to carry on Josh Gibson’s legacy of greatness by implementing unique programs that help children and young adults of all abilities and backgrounds reach their full potential.

STRATEGIC GOALS

Goal 1: Provide academic and athletic programs that foster leadership, scholarship, and the skills necessary for lifelong success.

Goal 2: Support children and their families by helping them connect with services which further their wellbeing both through its own work and via partnerships throughout greater Pittsburgh.

Goal 3: Infuse the services we provide with the story and legacy of Josh Gibson—a story of what might have been for him and his peers, his triumph over adversity, and a lesson of equity for all people.

LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Our cornerstone is the improvement of the lives of young people. Over the past years, the foundation’s vision of ensuring that the youth of our community remember the legacy of Josh Gibson while providing opportunities that will improve their lives has made significant progress.

Through exposure to life skills coaching and educational support, the Josh Gibson Foundation has become an instrument for positive change in the Pittsburgh community; however, the next step in the journey – the Josh Gibson Academy – has yet to be fulfilled. 

Creating a safe haven where our future legends can focus on preparing for college, successful careers, and learning the game of baseball, requires dedicated facilities. Funding, staffing and opening the Josh Gibson Academy is the next focus of the Josh Gibson Foundation. 

As Executive Director, I am extremely proud of what our organization has been able to accomplish with the steadfast support of our Board of Directors and supporting organizations. With your continued support, the goal of creating the Josh Gibson Academy will be realized…

Sincerely,

Sean Gibson