YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio―Youngstown native George “Shotgun” Shuba would one day become an outfielder for the then-Brooklyn Dodgers. 

But his place in baseball history was defined before he even made it the major leagues when he played for the Dodgers' farm team in 1946 and congratulated teammate Jackie Robinson when he hit a 3-run home run. 

Not an unusual gesture for the sport, but a groundbreaking one for the time, as it was the first interracial handshake in professional baseball.

What You Need To Know


  • As statues across the country continue to come down, Youngstown is making plans to pay tribute to the role one of its own played in advancing race relations in our country

  • The handshake between Jackie Robinson and Youngstown native George “Shotgun” Shuba changed the sport and America’s perspective forever

  • The statue is expected to be finished in April 2021 and placed in the city’s downtown area near the Covelli Centre and Amphitheater

Three men from Youngstown are making sure one of the greatest silent moments in baseball history isn't lost in time. 

Ernie Brown is one of them.

“The two runners in front of him, his teammates crossed the plate and just kept on going to the dugout, but the on-deck batter is George Shuba from Youngstown Ohio. And so, when Jackie was getting ready to cross the plate, George reached out and congratulated him on hitting the home run. That picture was photographed and went around the world at that particular time,” said Brown. 

Nearly 75 years later, the Robinson-Shuba Commemorative Statue Project pays homage to that iconic moment. 

The seven-foot bronze statue will stand in downtown Youngstown between the city's multipurpose arena and amphitheater, where thousands of people frequent each year. 

 

 

“I want people to see that Jackie Robinson still resonates in the 21st century. And I also want people to see that a Youngstown guy was a part of that history. George Shuba could have been just like everyone else. He could have turned his back, didn't have to do anything, didn't have to say anything, but just that simple gesture,” said Brown. 

Connecticut-based sculptor Marc Mellon is working on the project. He has also worked on statues to honor Pope John Paul II, Barack Obama, and various other athletes.

 

 

 

 

Although Shuba never had the Hall of Fame Career that Robinson did, project co-chair Greg Gulas says Shuba always stayed true to his roots.

“After his playing days, he was always incognito. George is the kind of athlete who made it professionally but never ever spoke down to you. He was on your level. He made you feel like you were somebody. George, while I was writing his book, said we didn't care if he was technicolor, I was still going to shake his hand and that was the right thing to do,” said Gulas. 

And both men agree, in these divisive times, the Robinson-Shuba statue will serve as inspiration to reach out to others, whether you're a sports fan or not.

The group has already secured one third of the funding for the $400,000 project. 

It's expected to unveiled in April of 2021. 

If you would like to donate to the Robinson-Shuba Commemorative Statue Project, visit their webiste.