George "Shotgun" Shuba Will Be An Honored Guest At Canal Park On August 17

August 14, 2007 - Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release

AKRON- The Akron Aeros will welcome baseball legend, George "Shotgun" Shuba, who is most remember for his symbolic role in breaking down major league baseball's tenacious color barrier, to Canal Park on Friday, August 17 when the Aeros take on the Reading Phillies at 7:05 p.m. He will throw out the ceremonial first pitch and sign autographs of his new book, My Memories as a Brooklyn Dodger, on the concourse through the fifth inning.

On April 18, 1946, while playing with the Montreal Royals, a major farm team with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Shuba was on deck when Jackie Robinson, the first African American player in Major League Baseball, hit a home run and Shuba proceeded to shake his hand as he crossed home plate. This is known as "the first interracial handshake" and a historic photograph most commonly referred to as "A Handshake for the Century" captured the event.

Not only is he legendary for his inspirational hand shake, but the Youngstown, Ohio native was also the first National League player to smash a pinch-hit home run in the World Series. Shuba played in three World Series with Brooklyn (1952, 1953 and 1955), winning a ring in 1955.

Shuba will be at Canal Park signing autographs of his new book, which he co-wrote with Greg Gulas, Sports Information Director at Youngstown State University.

For tickets to the game or for more information on this event please contact the Akron Aeros at 330-253-5151.

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