New Historical Marker to be Installed in Truxton – Honoring John J. McGraw

A new historical marker will be installed this summer on August 2nd at 1pm during a dedication ceremony in Truxton at 6290 Railroad Street. The historical marker will be for John J. McGraw, who has been considered the greatest manager in baseball history. Funding for the historical marker and the design were done by William and Sarah Swisher, who are longtime residents of Truxton.

The historical marker will memorialize the John J. McGraw baseball field and grandstand located in Truxton. McGraw grew up and played baseball in Truxton and was recruited for his talent by Albert Kenney. He had played for the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Giants. Later in his career, his work as a manager proved true success. When McGraw retired in 1932, he had won 2,763 games, 10 National League pennants and three World Series.

“Billed as the Greatest Sporting Event in the History of Cortland County, the marker is a tribute to a professional baseball game played there on August 8th, 1938.” – William Swisher said in a release.

During the dedication ceremony on August 2nd, a list of events are planned including the unveiling of the historical marker, replication of activities from the 1938 game and speeches from local representatives. There will also be a local exhibition baseball game played following the formal event, organizers say. 

“Baseball has always played a big role in Cortland County’s story, and the John J. McGraw Baseball Field is right at the hard of it,” Executive Director of the Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau Michelle Enright stated. “Thanks to the vision and generosity of the Swisher family, we now have the chance to shine a light on this special piece of Truxton’s history and celebrate the pride and community spirit that make this area so unique.”

John J. McGraw was always proud of his Truxton roots, donating the funds to build a grandstand at the local baseball field while also sending NY Giants player uniforms for the home team to use.

A monument currently stands dedicated to him with the monument funded after his death when succeeding Giants manager Bill Terry fulfilled McGraw’s wishes to bring the team to play a game at the Truxton ballpark.