1952 Topps #27, Sam Jethroe Black Back ⭐ MLB Pioneer
It's always nice to start the day with a great smile, like this one from Sam Jethroe.
If you don't know much about Sam, aside from his great smile, here's a Reader's Digest.
Sam Jethroe was an outfielder & MLB Pioneer who became the first Black player in Boston Braves history when he debuted in 1950, breaking the team’s color barrier. Known for his blazing speed, he led the N.L. in stolen bases his first two seasons & won Rookie of the Year honors in 1950 at age 32. Before reaching the majors, Jethroe was a star in the Negro Leagues for the Cleveland Buckeyes & helped the Buckeyes win the 1945 Negro World Series championship.

Some Canadian baseball themed content before tonight's first pitch. Sam Jethroe retired long before the Blue Jays & Expos joined the major leagues, but he has strong ties to baseball in Canada.

He starred for the Montreal Royals during the 1948 & 1949 (stole 89 bases!) seasons and with the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1954-1958.

GO JAYS!!