1923-24 Nacionales Cigarros #C48, Jacinto "Jack" Calvo ⭐ MLB Pioneer
Today's vintage treat is a scarce card of MLB Pioneer Jack Calvo.
Jack Calvo was born in Cuba and made his way to the US to play in the Majors for the Washington Senators in 1913.
Before that he played in the Negro League for the Long Branch Cubans and afterwards played in the Pacific Coast League (PCL).
Because of his light-colored skin he was able to navigate between segregated MLB and the Negro League, one of the first Cubans to play in MLB and to also play in the Negro League.
His presence in both leagues blurred the hard color lines that defined American baseball, demonstrating that ability, not race, determined a man’s place on the diamond.

1917 Zeenut Pacific Coast League (PCL) Jack Calvo. 🌞 I love Zeenut PCL cards.
Jacinto “Jack” Calvo was Cuban outfielder whose exceptional arm, speed, and batting prowess made him a standout in every league from the Negro Leagues to The Show. In 1913 he broke into MLB — making appearances with the Washington Senators in 1913 and 1920. He also made his mark in the Pacific Coast and Negro leagues, including stellar seasons with the San Francisco Seals and Fort Worth Panthers. Although his Major League stats (.161 average, one home run) were modest, his reputation soared thanks to a cannon arm that reportedly beat Bucky Harris's own long‑throw record and consistent winter dominance in Cuba.

Calvo was elected to the Cuban Baseball Hall of Fame in 1948.