1957 Topps #279, Bob Thurman RC ⭐ MLB Pioneer
Bob Thurman had an extensive and successful baseball career before he was given a shot in the Bigs.
He was 38 years-old before he made his A.L./N.L. debut and before that he played for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro League.
But before that he was already legend in Puerto Rico, with three Caribbean World Series championships under his belt, a Puerto Rican League MVP Award in 1950-51, and a Dominican League MVP Award in 1954.
Bob Thurman is recognized as the all-time home run leader in the Puerto Rican winter league with 120 career home runs and is in the Puerto Rican League Hall of Fame.
Bob Thurman's brief MLB career is often overlooked today. Even when he got his MLB break he was not considered one of MLB's best players although he might have been if given a shot in his prime.