Island Park Mohawk Giants historical marker dedicated in Schenectady ceremony

National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum President Josh Rawitch, second from left, poses next to a new historical marker commemorating the Mohawk Giants Black baseball team at a dedication ceremony on July 25, 2024, in Schenectady, New York. (Courtesy of SUNY Schenectady)

On Thursday, July 25, 2024, a dedication ceremony of a historical marker commemorating the Mohawk Giants baseball team was held in Schenectady, New York.

The ceremony at SUNY Schenectady’s West Campus was open to the public and included speakers from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, including Hall of Fame President Josh Rawitch.

SABR’s Cliff Kachline Chapter received a SABR Local Grant in 2023 for the funding and installation of the marker, which is located on the site of Island Park in Schenectady.

The Mohawk Giants were one of Black baseball’s most talented teams during an era of racial segregation in the early 20th century. The 1913 team, which included star pitchers Frank Wickware and Harry Buckner, was recently recognized by SABR’s Special Negro Leagues and Teams Committee as a major-league-caliber team.

Island Park / Mohawk Giants historical marker in Schenectady, New York (Courtesy of Frank Harte)



Originally published: July 25, 2024. Last Updated: July 25, 2024.