Phyllis Adkisson-Smith, Daughter of Negro Leagues Star Wilbur "Yank" Adkisson

Skip’s Corner: Nashville Baseball Podcast

After attending Nashville's Pearl High School, Wilbur "Yank" Adkisson spent three years in the Army during World War II, where he played baseball with some of the greats: Joe DiMaggio, Enos Slaughter, Josh Gibson, Roy Campanella, Satchel Paige, and Jackie Robinson. He became a Negro Leagues star with the Nashville Cubs, where he was known as a power hitting All-Star, and developed a personal relationship with Jim Zapp. Together, they formed the nucleus of the Nashville Stars.
Upon his retirement, Akdisson was formed a ladies' softball team in Danville, Illinois, where he had spent his last professional season. That team became the foundation for years of and positively influencing the lives of many.
Listen in as Phyllis Adkisson-Smith tells his story and about her book on her father's life, Black Diamond - Black Gold, The Danville Lady Tomahawks Softball Team.
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