1952 Topps #237, Jerry Coleman ⭐American Hero
I'm not a Yankees fan, per se, but I'm a huge fan of Jerry Coleman.
Jerry Coleman is a rare figure who excelled both on the field and in service beyond it.
He embodied integrity, humility, and perspective.
As a New York Yankees second baseman, he played on four World Series championship teams with the New York Yankees: 1949, 1950, 1951, and 1956.
He is even more respected for twice leaving baseball voluntarily to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces as a pilot in both World War II and the Korean War, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, a sacrifice that forever framed how fans understood his character.
After his playing days, he became a beloved broadcaster & most famously the voice of the San Diego Padres.
He is admired still because he exhibited those characteristics to which all good men aspire:
1. Excellence without ego.
2, Patriotism without bravado.
3. Lifelong devotion to making the world a better place through honor, integrity and with perspective.

1952 Topps #26, Monte Irvin ⭐ MLB Pioneer
Let the infectious smile of Monte Irvin brighten your Wednesday!
This legendary Hall of Famer and MLB Pioneer played in the Negro League for Newark Eagles.
On July 8, 1949, Hank Thompson & Monte Irvin broke the color barrier for the NY Giants.
On October 4, 1951, during the opening game of the World Series between the New York Giants and the New York Yankees Monte Irvin was part of the first all-African American outfield in MLB history - along with Willie Mays and Hank Thompson.
As a member of The Greatest Generation, Monte served in the United States Army during WWII (1943 - 1945) and fought in The Battle of The Bulge alongside the grandfather of our Mantel hobby friend and colleague @Vohnhenk.
We owe a heavy debt to all those who sacrificed so much for our freedom, like Aaron's Grandpa Jenkins and Monte Irvin.

1929 Kashin R316, Moe Berg RC ⭐
Starting on November 20, 1934, as part of MLB's All-Star tour of Japan, catcher Moe Berg begins filming aspects of Japanese life and infrastructure, as spy for United States intelligence entities, including for U.S. military use.
This is Moe Berg's true RC.

Eddie Kazak was a WWII Veteran, who served in the U.S. Army, and American Hero.
He was part of the U.S. Army's D-Day invasion parachuting into France.
He was severely wounded by a German bayonete and then blown up, laying under ruble for many hours until finally discovered alive.
Doctor's told him he would never play baseball again, but Eddie persevered and played in the 1949 All-Star Game as a 28-year-old rookie.

Hoyt Wilhelm is a true American Hero serving with the U.S. Army in one of the most famous battles of World War II. He fought bravely in The Battle of the Bulge, where he was wounded in combat, an experience that shaped his grit and perseverance throughout his Hall of Fame pitching career.
In MLB, Hoyt Wilhelm is a legend for his dancing and mystifying knuckleball which he used to baffle major league hitters for an incredible 21 seasons.