Gibson, Josh (1911-1947), was one of the greatest hitters in baseball history. Gibson played in the Negro leagues between 1930 and 1946, before African Americans were allowed to play in the major leagues. Gibson, a catcher, led his league in home runs nine times and in batting twice. His batting average of .517 in 1943 was the second highest in the history of the Negro leagues. Gibson also gained fame for the length of many of his home runs.