Larry Doby ⭐ MLB Pioneer - 79 Years Ago
Larry Doby has often been called "the forgotten pioneer."
While Jackie Robinson rightly receives enormous recognition for integrating Major League Baseball, Doby carried nearly the same burden as Jackie Robinson, but without the same recognition and zero public support.
Robinson had the benefit of spring training with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization and a season in the minors to prepare. Doby was called directly from the Negro Leagues, handed a major league uniform, and expected to succeed immediately in one of the most hostile environments imaginable.
On July 5, 1947, he became the first Black player in the history of the American League, forever changing baseball.
He became a superstar, not merely a symbol.
Doby was a seven-time All-Star, led the A.L. in HRs twice, and was one of the game's premier power hitters during the late 1940s and early 1950s.

1952 Bowman #223 Harry "Suitcase" Simpson RC ⭐ MLB Pioneer
Here's a hobby nugget some here might appreciate: when collectors see a 1950s Harry "Suitcase" Simpson card, many immediately think the nickname came from all the trades. The irony is that the nickname actually originated from Harry's enormous feet and a comic-strip character whose feet were so big they were described as suitcases. This was years before he became baseball's traveling man.
It's one of those baseball-card stories where the myth became more famous than the truth.

Harry "Suitcase" Simpson is a fascinating subject beyond the nickname.
He started his professional baseball career with the Philadelphia Stars in the Negro Leagues, became one of the earlier Black players in the American League.
He made an All-Star team in 1956, and even played in the 1957 World Series with the New York Yankees.

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2022 Card Art by CigarBoxCards ⭐ Satchel Paige
Sometimes modern card art can be a real cool hand.😎

1976 Shakey's Pizza #87 Bob Feller ⭐ Legendary Hall of Famer
@rookiecardprices Pitcher Food Cards Rule!
Thank you Earl! ❤ @EarlAvery58