1950 Bowman #23, Don Newcombe RC ⭐ MLB Pioneer
1950 Bowman #174, Hank Thompson RC ⭐ MLB Pioneer
Back in 1949, these two MLB Pioneers were the first Black pitcher & batter to face each other in a modern MLB game.
Don Newcombe began his pro baseball career with the Newark Eagles in the Negro League.
Hank Thompson played most of his early pro baseball with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro League.

2002 Fleer Fall Classic Rival Factions #HG-JR ⭐ Hank Greenberg - Jackie Robinson
I've recently become enamored with the 2002 Fleer game-used rival factions series.
This one is fascinating.
Both men fought against and exhibited great courage when it came to civil rights, social pressure, and pioneering American history.
Greenberg was baseball’s first Jewish superstar and faced relentless anti-Semitic abuse from fans and opposing dugouts, especially as Adolf Hitler rose to power in the 1930s.
Robinson famously broke Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947, enduring severe, systemic racial hatred.
The Famous May 15, 1947 Incident -- During a game in Robinson's rookie year, Greenberg had been traded to the Bucs, the two players accidentally collided at first base. Instead of turning hostile, Greenberg helped Robinson up. Later in the game, Greenberg told Robinson, "Don't pay any attention to these guys who are trying to make it hard for you. Stick in there." Robinson later told the press, "Class tells. It sticks out all over Mr. Greenberg"

1965 Topps Baseball Card Selection ⭐
This is a selection of some of my favorite cards from the 1965 Topps baseball card set.
You may have noticed Willie & George Smith and wonder, why are they included.
Willie & George Smith are both MLB Pioneers, having played in the Negro League and making it to The Show.
Willie Smith played in the Negro League for the Birmingham Black Barons.
George Smith played in the Negro League for the Indianapolis Clowns.

MLB Color Barrier Breakers ⭐ RCs
Aside from Jackie's 1953 Topps, this is a visual of my collection of RCs for all the players that MLB credits with breaking the color barrier on their teams.
Many of these players are not depicted in the uniform of the team on which they broke the color barrier.
For example, Ossie Virgil's 1957 Topps RC shows him with the NY Giants and he broke the color barrier on the Detroit Tigers on June 6, 1958.
Since creating this image, I have been able to acquire Jackie's RC.
This was one of the most fulfilling quests I have completed during my collecting journey.
My son followed along and became interested in baseball card collecting himself.
Collect What You Love.❤

MLB Pioneer ⭐ Starting Nine
With historic Rickwood Field, Birmingham, AL as the backdrop, this is a visual representation of the MLB Pioneer starting 9 from my card collection.
All these players got their professional baseball start in the Negro League and made it to the majors.
DH is Monte Irvin.
My right and left-handed relievers are Don Newcombe and Marshall Bridges, respectively.
Gene Baker is the manager.
Doing stuff like this is fun for me.