From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)

John Beckwith was born in Louisville, KY. He played shortstop, third base, and centerfield in the Negro Baseball Leagues, where he was a powerful and consistent hitter.

In Cincinnati, Ohio in 1921, he was the first player to hit a ball over the roof and completely out of Redland Field.

In Washington, D.C., he hit a ball that struck an advertisement sign 460 feet away from home plate and 40 feet above the ground.

Beckwith helped the Chicago American Giants win three pennants. He also had a temper and was once suspended from play after severely beating an umpire.

For more see The Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Baseball Leagues, by J. A. Riley; and John Beckwith at the Negro League Baseball Museum.