DEAR EDITOR: Youngstown is about to complete a heroic project of having all six of Timothy P. Schmalz statues of Matthew 25:35 within one mile of one another,
Columnist
Today, we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the handshake of Youngstown native George Shuba with Jackie Robinson, a defining moment in civil rights and a consequential addition to Mahoning Valley history.
Rookie first basemen Jackie Robinson debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers’ minor league affiliate Montreal Royals. He hit a three-run home run, and as he crossed home plate, Shuba instinctively raised his hand to congratulate him. The iconic scene will be captured in a statue of Shuba and Robinson in downtown Youngstown, to be dedicated in late summer.
George Shuba’s handshake was groundbreaking the first interracial handshake in professional baseball.
Apr 18, 2021
NEGLEY Former Chairman of Compco Industries and former Mahoning County Republican Chairman, Clarence R. “Sonny” Smith, 92, died Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at Briarfield at Ashley Circle.
He also operated Adamas Gem Shop at Market Street and McClurg Road, and Diamond Steel for many years. He served as county GOP chieftain from 1998 to 2010; and was a member of the Mahoning County Board of Elections from June 1998 to Jan. 7, 2013.
Active in the community, Mr. Smith was a strong supporter of Youngstown State University and Boardman High School, Sister Jerome’s ministries, Native American Indians, Boy Scouts and many civic concerns. At YSU, he was a major contributor to Penguin sports programs and played a major role in philanthropic efforts to raise funds for the construction of Stambaugh Stadium. Mr. Smith served as the co-chair of the Stambaugh Stadium project and was instrumental in the brick campaign.