Alvin Gipson
Baseball player From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Alvin "Bubber" Gipson, Sr. (May 7, 1914 – March 25, 1987) was an American Negro league pitcher in the 1940s. A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Gipson spent most of his career in Birmingham as a mainstay of the Black Barons' pitching staff.
| Alvin Gipson | |
|---|---|
| Pitcher | |
| Born: May 7, 1914 Shreveport, Louisiana | |
| Died: March 25, 1987 (aged 72) Shreveport, Louisiana | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| Negro Major Leagues debut | |
| 1941, for the Birmingham Black Barons | |
| Last appearance | |
| 1946, for the Birmingham Black Barons | |
| Stats at Baseball Reference | |
| Teams | |
Independent/Minor
Major Leagues
| |
| Career highlights and awards | |
|
Early life
Alvin Gipson was born on May 7, 1914, in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Career
Summarize
Perspective
Independent ball
Alvin Gipson began his career playing with Abe Saperstein's independent Cincinnati Buckeyes/New Orleans Crescent Stars, touting a 22–3 record in 1939 or 1940.[1][2] Gipson was billed as "potentially another Satchel Paige" in press announcing his team's barnstorming tours.[2]
Negro Major Leagues
Chicago American Giants
Though no league play statistics are listed for Gipson with the Chicago American Giants,[3] he appears in their 1941 team photo taken at Muelenbach Field in Kansas City.[4]
Birmingham Black Barons
Gipson joined the Black Barons in 1941 and was on the pitching staff as they won the NAL pennant in 1943 and 1944. He registered a 0–1 record in the NAL's split season playoffs against the American Giants in 1943,[5] but did not make any appearances in either World Series.[6][7]
1942 All-Star Game
In 1942, two East-West All-Star games were played to benefit the Army-Navy Relief Fund. Gipson was named to the West's roster for the second game, held in Cleveland at Municipal Stadium. Gipson made an appearance in relief, pitching 3 innings and giving up 2 runs (1 earned) in the 9-2 loss to the East.[8]
Strikeout Record
On August 21, 1943, Alvin Gipson struck out 20 Philadelphia Stars batters in Birmingham, setting a Negro American League record. In the 5-1 victory, Gipson struck out the side in 4 of the 9 innings he pitched, including the ninth. Stars second baseman Marvin Williams was fanned 4 times. Following his performance, fans rushed the field to celebrate.[9][10]
Military service
On July 2, 1945, Gipson was drafted into the United States Army.[11]
Return to barnstorming
After leaving the Black Barons, Gipson pitched for the independent Detroit Senators and Cincinnati Crescents. Both teams were managed by Winfield Welch, Gipson's manager in Birmingham.[12][13]
Return to Chicago
In 1949, Gipson followed his old manager Welch and returned to the American Giants, staying with the team through the 1950 campaign.[14][15] Gipson represented the American Giants on a Negro League all star team taking on an integrated Major League all star team in October 1950.[16]
Death and legacy
Alvin Gipson died on March 25, 1987, at the VA Medical Center in his hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana following a brief illness.[3][17] In 1999, The Times newspaper in Shreveport listed Gipson among the top 100 baseball players to come from the area.[18]
References
External links
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