Fansided

Constructing an all-time MLB Home Run Derby lineup

By Connor Muldowney

Apr 10, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers hitting coach Mark McGwire looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers hitting coach Mark McGwire looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 7, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of a catchers glove and baseballs in the dugout prior to a game between the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of a catchers glove and baseballs in the dugout prior to a game between the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

If this isn’t a name you’re familiar with, don’t worry, he hasn’t played since the 1940s and he never really got the type of recognition he deserved. As a catcher, he is considered one of the greatest power hitters at his position of all time.

Josh Gibson played in the Negro leagues for most of his career while also playing in the Dominican, Mexican and Cuban leagues.

Gibson’s numbers won’t exactly pop out at you, but he did rack up 115 dingers in 510 career Negro league games while also hitting 44 in 116 Mexican League contests.

Many considered Gibson one of the best hitters of all time and he died at such a young age, he would have likely had a shot at playing in the majors if it weren’t for the color barrier which Jackie Robinson broke the year in which Josh died.

While the ‘official’ number of home runs that he hit was 115, people estimate that many Negro league games were not recorded and stats were often forgotten or lost in the mix of things. Some people have claimed he hit upwards of 800 to 1,000 home runs throughout his career, which is incredible.

However, he did hit a home run every 15, or so, at-bats which is on par with some of the greatest power hitters in MLB history.

Legend has it, Gibson once hit a home run out of old Yankee Stadium so far that it crossed the street outside of the park, recording a distance of about 580 feet.

This guy would be crushing home runs in the contest if it were around in his prime.

Next: 8. Albert Pujols

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