How the Hill District Satellites Created an Equal Playing Field in Women’s Softball

Ammon Field in the Hill District is known for being the playing grounds of the best batter in baseball history, Josh Gibson, but it was also home to a softball team in the pursuit of equal playing fields — the Hill District Satellites.

In 1970, the Satellites were sponsored by the United Black Front, an organization promoting economic development and civil rights. Just two years later, the Satellites won the 1972 league championship — the same year that Title IX mandated gender equity in educational and athletic programs.

The Satellites fostered community pride by playing their home games at Ammon Field (now called Josh Gibson Field). They competed against teams throughout the Triboro Softball League — one of the largest community athletic associations in Pittsburgh, founded by Satellite team member Midred Allen in 1960.

Today, Ammon Field remains a hub for softball and youth baseball teams, and the Josh Gibson Foundation uses it as their home field for youth academic and athletic programs.