The historic photo first served as a learning tool for a local family, and now a nation.
Youngstown native George “Shotgun” Shuba on April 18, 1946, became a part of arguably the most significant photo to begin the integration process in Major League Baseball. Today, Shuba is forever remembered for that groundbreaking moment with Baseball hall of famer Jackie Robinson.
Robinson breaking MLB’s color barrier a year later is touted as one of the most important moments in sports history paving the way for other black athletes across baseball and all other major sports.
George’s son, Mike Shuba of Austintown, said his dad “didn’t think it would be such a big moment like it is today. He always said it was Jackie’s moment, not his. He was used to playing with and against black athletes from high school so it was a normal thing for him to go up and shake Jackie’s hand at the plate.”
Submitted photo
Pictured at the site of the Robinson-Shuba Commemorative Statue are, from left, Julius Oliver, Youngstown 1st Ward councilman; Kate Spires, architect with BSHM Architects; Mike Shuba, son of George Shuba; statue project co-chairs Ernie Brown, Greg Gulas and Herb Washington; Youngstown Mayor Jamael Tito Brown; Brian Brock, president of Brock & Associates Builders Inc.; and Nick Chretien, program manager for the Economic Action Group.
YOUNGSTOWN Developers of the Robinson-Shuba Commemorative Statue have hired a contractor and broken ground at the statue site in Wean Park downtown.
North Lima-based Brock & Associates Builders Inc. will serve as general contractor for the project, which includes a set of concrete walkways, a concrete base and seating to support programming at the memorial.
Apr 5, 2021
YOUNGSTOWN Developers of the Robinson-Shuba Commemorative Statue have hired a contractor and broken ground at the statue site in Wean Park downtown.
North Lima-based Brock & Associates Builders Inc. will serve as general contractor for the project, which includes a set of concrete walkways, a concrete base and seating to support programming at the memorial.
“We are very excited and proud to be a part of this statue project and everything the Robinson-Shuba handshake meant for baseball and for the country,” said Brian Brock, company president. “We’re also glad to see so many improvements taking shape in downtown Youngstown.”