1929-30 ALMENDARES (CUBA) BASEBALL TEAM PHOTO WITH DIHIGO (HOF), LUNDY & MARCELLE.
Item Description
Presented here is remarkable piece of Cuban baseball history, an original 8x10" glossy press photo depicting the Almendares Baseball Club taken by noted photographer, Antonio Tudella, at Boulanger Park in Santa Clara during the 1929-30 Cuban League season. Although the league championship went to the Cienfuegos club that season, this Almendares team boasted an unmatched trio of Negro league greats in pitcher/outfielder, Martin Dihigo (back row, 4th from left), shortstop, Richard "Dick" Lundy (back row, 3rd from left) and third baseman, Oliver "Ghost" Marcelle (front row, 2nd from right). Also pictured are: Larry Brown, Jose Maria Fernandez, Isidro Fabre, Cocaina Garcia, Cando Lopez, Cesar Alvarez, Silvino Ruiz, Joseito Rodriguez and Oscar Rodriguez. Martin Dihigo is considered by many to be the greatest all-around ballplayer in the history of professional baseball. A natural five-tool player, Dihigo had an exceptionally strong arm, great range in the field, very good speed on the bases and was a superior batter with power at the plate. Along with fellow Negro League HOF'er, Willie Wells, Dihigo was one of only two players ever inducted into the American, Cuban, Mexican, Dominican and Venezuelan Baseball Halls of Fame. Dick Lundy was widely recognized as being the second great shortstop in the annals of Black baseball, following in the footsteps of the great John Henry "Pop" Lloyd. Oliver Marcelle has been mentioned along with Cooperstown selectees, Judy Johnson and Ray Dandridge as the three best third baseman in Negro League history. Photo had some tears and creases that were all stabilized as professional and archivally paper backed. Some of these defects are now only visible in reflected light. A more noticeable horizontal crease runs across the top but well above the player images. Trace of margin wear and some aging, mostly along top edge. Overall still presents very nicely and image is sharp and distinct. Technical grade is Good/VG. To the best of our knowledge the presented photo is one of only two known examples. Don't pass up this opportunity to secure one of the most important pieces of Cuban League baseball history, not to mention the future investment potential if one day, both Dick Lundy and Oliver Marcelle are elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, thus, joining their long-time teammate, Martin Dihigo. The Black Ball Collection.
