Preserving History, One Grave at a Time

Brendan Schuster shares his passion for Pittsburgh’s baseball legacy through his work with the Josh Gibson Foundation.

"When I learned that so many players had unmarked graves, I couldn’t believe it. People walk by these sites without realizing the rich history beneath their feet.”

Bethel Park’s Brendan Schuster, 44, has spent his life immersed in a love for sports, with baseball holding a particularly special place in his heart. His passion for collecting baseball cards began in childhood when his father gifted him incomplete card sets from the 1950s—beginning a lifelong hobby.

After his father’s passing, Schuster took on the mission of completing and professionally grading those sets. Currently, he’s focused on finishing the 1958 Topps baseball set registration—a project deeply tied to his family’s history and his love of the game.

Professionally, Schuster is the international wholesale supervisor at General Nutrition Centers, Inc. (GNC), headquartered in Pittsburgh. With two decades of experience at GNC, he balances a busy career with an equally active personal life.

A Slippery Rock University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in communication, Schuster is also a member of the Society for American Baseball Research and the founder of the Facebook page “Down from the Attic – Vintage Sports.” He also serves as a committee member for the Josh Gibson Foundation’s Unmarked Grave Project—an initiative that holds personal and historical significance close to his heart.

The Josh Gibson Foundation (JGF) is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Negro League players—particularly through its Negro Leagues Memorial Markers Initiative. Launched in August 2022, the project aims to place gravestones at the burial sites of Negro League baseball players in Allegheny County. Each gravestone includes a QR code, allowing visitors to learn more about the lives and contributions of these historical figures.

“When I learned that so many players had unmarked graves, I couldn’t believe it,” says Schuster. “People walk by these sites without realizing the rich history beneath their feet.”

A key moment for Schuster came in February 2020 during the 100th anniversary celebration of the Negro Leagues, where he met Sean Gibson, JGF president and great-grandson of legendary player Josh Gibson. Their shared love of baseball history inspired Schuster to join the memorial initiative.

“To be part of marking the gravesites of Josh Gibson’s teammates is a dream come true—it’s deeply rewarding and so meaningful,” explains Schuster. “It’s also become a family effort—our kids love uncovering the stories of these players, even those from the pre-Negro League era. It’s history brought to life.”

Thanks to generous donations, 17 of the 21 identified unmarked graves will have markers by spring of this year. However, funding is still needed to complete gravestones for the remaining four players. Schuster’s involvement has extended to local schools, including Seneca Valley’s 7th grade Social Studies class. The students raised funds for a gravestone by creating fliers and making school-wide announcements. “Visiting the school and seeing their pride in contributing to this cause was truly heartwarming,” says Schuster.

His collaboration with historian Vincent T. Ciaramella has also furthered the preservation of local baseball history. Their book, “Never Heard of Them Either,” shines a spotlight on 12 lesser-known players connected to Pittsburgh. One notable story is about Lee Handley, a former Pittsburgh Pirate who supported Jackie Robinson during his historic 1947 season. Robinson credited Handley’s encouragement as pivotal during a challenging time, underscoring the profound impact of these often-overlooked players.

As the Negro Leagues Memorial Markers Initiative continues, Schuster hopes to inspire younger generations to connect with local baseball’s rich history. “This journey has been about more than marking graves—it’s about engaging others, especially young people, in celebrating history and honoring the players who paved the way,” he says.

Bethel Park residents and people in the Greater Pittsburgh region and beyond can play a vital role in supporting the initiative. Hosting fundraisers or organizing community events like a “Josh Gibson Day” could raise awareness and funds. Donations can also be made directly at jgfmemorialmarkers.org.