Expert: Tom Schott - 12/22/2007

Question
Hi Tom,

Fact or fiction?  Was Josh Gibson the only person to have hit a home run which left Yankee Stadium?  I have heard conflicting answers about this.  It obviously was done when he played in the Negro League. Thanks.  Bill

Answer
Bill,

 Don't know whether it's fact or fiction. I cannot definitively answer your question because doubtless you've seen the same sources I have, and this is a matter of dispute. If anyone ever accomplished such a feat, it would be astounding indeed. I remember once in the 1950s, Mickey Mantle  hit the decorative facade over the third deck in right field. It was described at the time as the closest anyone ever came to hitting a ball out of Yankee Stadium.

This site (http://www.nlbpa.com/gibson__josh.html) about the Negro Leagues--and it's a reliable one--cites both a near miss and the reported home run that left the stadium. I don't think this question will ever be resolved. Merry Christmas!