2001 Fleer Greats Autogrphs, Sam Jethroe ⭐ MLB Pioneer
The celebration of Black History Month continues with this magnificent looking card of one of the fastest men to ever play baseball.
Sam "The Jet" Jethroe.
Sam Jethroe won NL Rookie of the Year in 1950 with the Boston Braves at 33 years old. He was denied a meaningful opportunity in MLB during his prime years due to racism that existed in baseball at the time.
Notwithstanding he was a super star in the Negro Leagues, where he was regarded as one of the fastest and most dynamic players in baseball.
Jethroe’s speed was elite even by modern standards. In his rookie season, he led the National League in stolen bases (35) and triples (9). He was so fast that teammates claimed he could beat out routine ground balls and turn singles into doubles almost at will—hence the nickname “The Jet.” He also won the N.L. stolen base title in 1951.

1951 Bowman #242, Sam Jethroe ⭐ MLB Pioneer
The 1951 Bowman Baseball Card set is timeless in its presentation and artwork.
Sam Jethroe, nicknamed "The Jet", was one of the fastest players of his generation.
He dominated in the Negro League with the Cleveland Buckeyes, winning the 1948 Negro League World Series.
In 1950, at 33 years-old, he won the N.L. Rookie of the Year leading the senior circuit with 35 stolen bases.
Sam Jethroe is still the oldest ROY winner in MLB history.
Have a happy day!🙂

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!!