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.