1925-26 CUBAN LEAGUE HAVANA BASEBALL CLUB RPPC WITH HOF MEMBERS MARTIN DIHIGO & JUD WILSON.
Item Description
Presented here is one of the true gems of early Cuban baseball, a real photo postcard depicting the 1925-26 Havana Baseball Club, highlighted by the presence of National Baseball Hall of Famers, Martin Dihigo and Jud Wilson. Also pictured on this amazing relic are several other notable Black/Cuban ballplayers including: Julio Rojo, Oscar Levis, Miguel Gonzalez, Sam Streeter and Juan Eckelson. Measuring 3-1/8x5.25" and in total picturing 14 men in uniform, one man in suit and bat boy. As you can see, there is a mixture of different uniforms here, likely a result of this photo being taken at the end of the Winter League season or possibly during a postseason barnstorming tour. Dating of this image was done by reviewing uniform styles and confirmed by noted Cuban baseball historian and memorabilia expert, Cesar Lopez.
As mentioned previously, Jud Wilson, pictured here standing second from the left, is a Cooperstown selectee, having been enshrined with the unprecedented Negro League Class of 2006. Nicknamed "Boojum", Wilson began his professional baseball career in 1922 with the Baltimore Black Sox. Like many Negro League ballplayers of the day, Wilson would seek additional playing time at the end of the season by contracting with a Winter League ball club and 1925-26 was his first season playing for Havana in the Cuban League. Jud was an immediate success in Cuba, leading the league in batting average that first season with an astounding .430 mark. Wilson would go on to star for Havana over the next two Winter League seasons as well.
The other superstar on this famed 1925-26 Havana squad was Martin Dihigo, pictured here standing third from the left. Like Wilson, Dihigo began his professional baseball career in 1922, playing for this same Havana ball club during their 1922-23 Cuban League season. Dihigo's indoctrination into pro baseball saw him play that first season with future Hall of Fame greats, John Henry "Pop" Lloyd and Cristobal Torriente along with pitching great Dick "Cannonball" Redding. Dihigo more than held his own and would continue to star for the Havana team for many years to come.
Although Martin Dihigo would appear individually in an extremely rare Cuban baseball card set issued by Mallorquina, two years later, 1927-28, this image marks his very first appearance on a baseball "card". The same can be said for Jud Wilson as he would not appear on any other type of card until the 1930s when he was captured individually on a real photo postcard picturing him in his Homestead Grays uniform. As postcards have begun to gain acceptance in the mainstream baseball card market over the past few years, some might consider this RPPC to mark the rookie card appearance of both Wilson and Dihigo. Further evidence supporting the recent explosion in values of graded team postcards can be found in last summer's Heritage Auction, where a 1915 Boston Red Sox team postcard (PSA 3.5) picturing Babe Ruth sold for a record price of $108,000.
This amazing postcard has been authenticated and encapsulated by Sportscard Guaranty Company, the industry leader for grading vintage Cuban baseball cards. Please note that it is very unusual for SGC to include player identifications on the label of a team photo, further evidence that this is a truly historical piece. Further research indicates that this beauty is one of only two known examples picturing the 1925-26 Havana team, with this being the only third-party graded example.
As far as condition, front of postcard has lightly inked date at top left of 1926 Reverse has some writing, aging, two .5" spots of paper from mounting and 1" strip of clear tape at top center to repair a tear. This tear is evident on the front as are a pair of 1/8" insect holes, both appear on player to the right of Dihigo. Other lt. aging and margin wear but image still very nice overall. The remnants of scrapbook removal and hole repair are the reasons that this postcard received an "Authentic" grade from SGC as opposed to a numerical one.
Postcard originated from the famed Richard Merkin collection. This is an amazing opportunity to pick up a piece that represents early Cuban baseball at its finest. Don't pass this one up, it may be a long time before another chance comes around.
