#Shortstops: Negro National League 1940 Championship Trophy

During this golden age, Posey signed Josh Gibson and Walter F. “Buck” Leonard, who were often compared to the New York Yankees iconic duo, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. However, despite their prowess on the diamond, the team faced financial difficulty due to a number of factors. The Grays – named for an Allegheny County borough located about seven miles from downtown Pittsburgh – alternated playing their home games between Forbes Field, the homes of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Griffith Stadium, home of the Washington Senators. Despite limited press coverage, the Homestead Grays often attracted larger crowds than their big league counterparts.

Among their many achievements, the Grays took home the pennant in 1940. While the Negro National League and Negro American League didn’t face off in a World Series that year, it didn’t stop the team from celebrating the victory. For winning the Negro National League pennant, they were awarded a trophy.

On loan to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum by the Pittsburgh Pirates, this trophy currently sits on display in Pride & Passion: The African-American Baseball Experience exhibit, located on the second floor of the Museum.. This exhibit explores and highlights African Americans throughout baseball history.

The trophy, silver and mounted on a hollow black plastic circular base, is about 10 inches tall and has two handles at the top with a scrolled design. On the center of the trophy, it reads, “Negro National League, Champions, 1940, Homestead Grays.”