YOUNGTOWN, Ohio — One of the most iconic moments in baseball – that also helped break the color barrier – is now forever enshrined in northeast Ohio.
Youngstown native Mike Shuba said his father George was a better father than he was a ballplayer, and his whole objective in life has been to show the principal man his father was on and off the field.
George Shuba was nicknamed “Shotgun” because of the way he hit line drives to all areas of the field, but perhaps his most impactful moment on the diamond was this handshake he shared with then Montreal Royals teammate Jackie Robinson after a home run on April 18, 1946.
During the ceremony, Shuba shared his father’s own words recalling that moment.
“To shake his hand, after his first hit ever, a home run, was an honor that I will never forget. As that was the day that professional baseball changed forever,” said Shuba.
It was the first interracial handshake in professional baseball and one that had a profound impact on future generations of ballplayers.
“Success can be found anywhere when individuals from all walks of life,” said former Oakland Athletics player Herb Washington of Youngstown. “And who would think something as innocent as a handshake would have such an impact? Here we are 75 years later, and we’re talking about it.”
Another former Royals player said Youngstown always had a special place in George Shuba’s heart.
“George never forgot where he came from,” said former Montreal Royals Catcher and Niles resident Dan Gatta. “We talked about Youngstown and he was well respected. This was historic, I mean especially the way the country is today.”
Mike Shuba said when folks from around the country come and visit the Robinson-Shuba statue, he hopes they’ll remember his father’s message.
“We’re all on the same team in life and we’re all teammates together,” said Shuba.
Shuba said he wished his late father could have experienced this moment.
“He’d say pinch me, is this really happening? And I’d say, ‘yes, George, I told you in the 90s I was going to immortalize you,’” said Shuba. “And to see this happen now is very gratifying.”
The Robinson-Shuba statue is located at Wean Park, 201 S. Phelps St., in downtown Youngstown.
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