2001 Fleer Greats Of The Game Autographs #46, Lester Lockett ⭐
Black History Month celebrations continue, with an on-card auto of a forgotten Negro League star.
I didn't know who Lester Lockett was until I discovered this set and the Negro League stars in it.
He represents the vast middle class of talented Negro League players who were very good, highly skilled, and essential to the leagues’ quality, even if they never became legends.
Lester played for the KC Monarchs, Baltimore Elite Giants and others. The Monarchs, in particular, were the gold standard of Negro League franchises especially in the 1930s when Lester played for them. Simply appearing on their 1930s roster suggests Lockett had real ability, as Kansas City was known for deep, competitive rosters.
His name isn’t widely recognized today for lack of data, not lack of talent -- incomplete box scores. lost team records, and limited press coverage all contribute to the information gap.