1926-27 Aguilitas #841, Oscar Estrada ⭐
1928 Reach Baseball Guide - Lynn Papooses 1927, Team Picture ⭐ Oscar Estrada
Oscar Estrada is another Cuban MLB Pioneer who played in the Negro League and MLB, blurring the racial barriers that existed in MLB until 1947.
Estrada started his American professional baseball journey in the Negro League, playing for the Cuban Stars in 1924-25.
He circulated back to Cuba regularly in winter ball leading me to the 1926-27 Aguilitas card.
Estrada also played for the Lynn Papooses in the New England League, a Class B minor league in Summer 1927, which led me to the 1928 Reach Baseball Guide clipping featuring him.
On April 21, 1929, Estrada made his Major League debut with the St. Louis Browns — his only MLB appearance — relieving in the 9th inning against the Detroit Tigers at Sportsman’s Park. He pitched one scoreless inning, allowing a hit and a walk but no runs, giving him a lifetime 0.00 ERA in the majors.
Oscar Estrada never had a mainstream playing days card for his MLB appearance, so this 99-year old card, and 97-year old clipping are cherished pieces of my MLB Pioneer collection. He is among the earliest Cuban-born players to reach MLB.