2001 Fleer Greats Autogrphs, Sam Jethroe ⭐ MLB Pioneer
The celebration of Black History Month continues with this magnificent looking card of one of the fastest men to ever play baseball.
Sam "The Jet" Jethroe.
Sam Jethroe won NL Rookie of the Year in 1950 with the Boston Braves at 33 years old. He was denied a meaningful opportunity in MLB during his prime years due to racism that existed in baseball at the time.
Notwithstanding he was a super star in the Negro Leagues, where he was regarded as one of the fastest and most dynamic players in baseball.
Jethroe’s speed was elite even by modern standards. In his rookie season, he led the National League in stolen bases (35) and triples (9). He was so fast that teammates claimed he could beat out routine ground balls and turn singles into doubles almost at will—hence the nickname “The Jet.” He also won the N.L. stolen base title in 1951.