Legendary pitcher Frank Wickware’s story comes home to Girard

KANSAS TO COOPERSTOWN: PHIL DIXON TO SHARE THE STORY OF GIRARD’S NEGRO LEAGUE STAR, FRANK WICKWARE
BY PHILIP STEVENS
HOMETOWN GIRARD

▸▸ Baseball historian and author Phil S. Dixon will visit the Girard Public Library this Saturday, March 22, to share the incredible story of Frank Wickware, a Negro League baseball pitcher who was born in Girard in 1889. The presentation, sponsored by Humanities Kansas, will begin at noon at 128 West Prairie Avenue.

Dixon is a nationally recognized baseball scholar and co-founder of the Negro League Baseball Museum in downtown Kansas City and has spent decades researching and preserving the history of black baseball players. He believes Wickware’s story is one that deserves greater recognition, especially in the town where his journey began.

“A writer for the Chicago Defender in 1930 stated that ‘Dick “Cannon Ball” Redding and others of days gone by had plenty of speed, but Frank Wickware, speed ball artist from Coffeyville, Kansas, was recognized as the king until LeRoy “Satchel” Paige arrived on the scene with his fastball,’” Dixon said. “Nearly every baseball fan has heard of Paige; few remember Wickware until now.”

Though born and raised in Girard, Wickware’s family moved to Coffeyville in 1905, where he began playing baseball in his mid-teens. He quickly made a name for himself as a dominant pitcher, competing professionally for teams like the Chicago American Giants, Lincoln Giants, and Schenectady Mohawk Giants. His prowess on the mound led Hall of Fame pitcher Walter Johnson to declare, “Wickware is the very best in the game. I am tempted to say the greatest of all time, but that might not be doing justice to Christy Matthewson and a few of the other old-timers.”

Frank Wickware’s legacy achieved major recognition when he was inducted into the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011.

The year 2020 marked two major milestones for baseball: the Negro League celebrated its 100th anniversary, and Major League Baseball merged the statistics of these black players with those of the major league.

Dixon’s presentation will highlight Wickware’s career and connect it to broader themes in baseball history, including the legacy of the Kansas City Monarchs. The Kansas City Monarchs barnstormed across Kansas and the region to play more than 400 games against local towns between 1920 and 1957. This dialogue will shed new light on the sport’s history and the history of baseball in Kansas.

The program is designed to be fun, interactive, and engaging for all ages. Dixon promises an entertaining 45-minute talk filled with fascinating stories, rare historical details, and personal insights from his decades of research. Attendees will also have the chance to ask questions during a Q&A session at the end. With his deep knowledge of baseball history, Dixon encourages guests to bring their best questions—whether about Frank Wickware, the Negro Leagues, the Kansas City Monarchs, or the broader history of the game.

Girard Public Library Director Barb Bailey hopes to see a strong community turnout. “Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend,” Bailey said. “No registration is required—just show up for an interesting and fun time.”

To make the event even more special, attendees are invited to bring old baseball memorabilia, especially any related to the Negro Leagues, Kansas City Monarchs, Girard High School, or baseball history in southeast Kansas. These items could help spark conversation and further connect the community with its rich baseball heritage.

At the end of the event, a symbolic gesture will take place – Dixon will receive a Mason jar of Girard soil, which he will later spread around Wickware’s monument in Schenectady, New York, during a memorial event on March 28.

In addition to the presentation, Dixon will have some of his books available for purchase and signing. His extensive work as a historian, author, and researcher has earned him numerous awards, and his books provide a deep dive into the stories of legendary players, teams, and forgotten baseball history.

“This program is a unique opportunity for Girard residents to learn about a hometown legend who made a lasting impact on the sport,” Dixon said. “Frank Wickware’s legacy has been overlooked for far too long, and it’s time to give him the recognition he deserves.”

This event is not just a chance to learn—it’s an opportunity to celebrate Girard’s own piece of baseball history and show appreciation for Dixon’s dedication to sharing it. Let’s give him a warm welcome and show our enthusiasm for this incredible piece of Girard’s past.

Following the Girard presentation, Dixon will take the story of Wickware on the road, delivering talks in Albany, Schenectady, and Cooperstown, New York, as part of a multi-city event honoring the late pitcher.

The program begins at 12:00 p.m. noon on Saturday, March 22, at the Girard Public Library, 128 West Prairie Avenue. Don’t miss this exciting chance to learn, engage, and honor one of Girard’s own baseball greats.

The Girard Public Library encourages community members, baseball enthusiasts, and history buffs to attend Saturday’s event and take part in celebrating one of Girard’s own. For more information, contact Barb Bailey at (620) 724-4317.

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