Riverfront in Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
William Julius "Judy" Johnson
October 26, 1899 - June 15, 1989
A resident of Delaware for nearly seventy-five years, Judy Johnson was considered the finest third baseman of his day in the Negro Leagues. After attending Howard High School, he played with the Hilldale Club, Homestead Grays and Pittsburgh Crawfords between 1923 and 1936. A consistent .300 hitter, Judy hit .416 in 1929. Judy was the captain of the 1935 champion Crawfords team which also included Satchel Paige, Cool Papa Bell, Josh Gibson and Oscar Charleston. Following his playing career, Judy remained involved in the game he loved as a coach, scout and mentor. Judy Johnson was enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975.
"The memory of those fellows I will never forget. They were quite a team. We had a lot of fun. There were some sad days, too; But there was always a sun shining some place. So that was what we looked forward to, the big days, the best days."
Judy Johnson, on the 1935 Crawfords
Erected by Delaware Stadium Corporation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.
Location. 39° 43.894′ N, 75° 33.871′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, Delaware, in New Castle County
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Philadelphia. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic and on the Delmarva Peninsula. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Daniel S. Frawley Stadium (here, next to this marker); Delaware Stadium Corporation (here, next to this marker); Vic Willis (a few steps from this marker); Bill McGowan (a few steps from this marker); Rocks in the Show (within shouting distance of this marker); You Are Not Forgotten (within shouting distance of this marker); Military Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Michael S. Purzycki Riverwalk (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 2, 2024
3. William Julius "Judy" Johnson Statue
The life-sized sculpture of baseball great Judy Johnson was unveiled by artist Phil Sumpter on April 14, 1995.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 29, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 355 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 29, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on March 17, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.
