1939-46 Salutation Exhibit Supply Company, Ted Williams #9 Shows Variation.
This 1939-46 Salutation Exhibit Supply Company variation with #9 showing of Ted Williams is a prized piece in my PC because it’s one of his earliest baseball cards, capturing the future Red Sox legend at the very start of his career. This variation was produced in a very small regional run at the very beginning of 1939 and very few examples survived to today. I found this one raw, with the tape, and took a chance on it. I was delighted that I did so.

Collect what you love.❤

1936 R311, National Chicle Fine Pens DiMaggio Slams It, Joe DiMaggio. (One of his earliest cards and images. This photo was taken during his 1st Yankee Spring Training in his rookie season).
I often cite the "triple" as the most exciting play in baseball because it is generally the result of pure, unadulterated athleticism and hustle. The triple is a scarce baseball occurrence requiring a batter to hit a ball into open space and then outrun the defense's ability to get the ball to third base. The duration of the play creates sustained tension that is unmatched by baseball standards. The triple is usually reserved for exceptionally fast, athletic, and aggressive players, like Joe DiMaggio.
On August 27, 1938, at Yankee Stadium, Joe DiMaggio hit three consecutive triples. The Yankee Clipper’s offensive outburst helped the Bombers beat Cleveland, 8-7.

Happy Tuesday friends and card folk. 🌞
Have a great day! 👊

1947-66 Exhibits, Ernie Banks.
Ernie Banks' iconic catchphrase, "It's a beautiful day for a ballgame, let's play two!" originated from his love of baseball and his positive attitude towards the game. The phrase was notably said on a very hot day in July 1969, in Chicago, when the team was feeling down, and it became a spontaneous remark that writers noted and the phrase stuck as his signature line.
I adore this Exhibit card of Ernie - it's one of my favorite cards.🥰

1960 Topps #538, Frank Barnes ⭐ MLB Pioneer.
Frank Barnes pitched for the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro League before making his way to The Show where he eventually debuted with the St. Louis Cardinals on this date, August 26, 1957.
Though his time in the big leagues was brief, Barnes stood out for his lively arm and versatility, contributing both as a starter and reliever.

1958 Topps #451, Joe Taylor RC ⭐ MLB Pioneer.
On August 26, 1954, Joe Taylor debuted for the Philadelphia A's after starring in the Negro League for the Chicago American Giants.
Taylor was seen as a talented prospect — an outfielder with power, speed, and a strong arm. Over parts of four MLB seasons with the Athletics, Reds, Cardinals, and Orioles, he showed flashes of that ability, but he never secured a regular starting role. One factor that hindered his career was his struggles with alcohol, which affected his consistency and reliability at a time when opportunities for African American players were already limited and fiercely competitive.