3 3/8x5 3/8" showing 16 players in uniform with their last names written in fountain pen ink on their uniforms. Lower right has Cuban photographer’s name “Foto Vallis”. Photo includes two future Hall of Famers on their winter break. Cool Papa Bell is shown seated second from left in front row and Willie Wells is shown second from left standing in back row with his name misspelled as “Guell”. Card is American variety with all text on back in English. Emulsion is a bit yellowed with age and postcard has lt. curl, upper right side has barely noticeable .25" tear at margin edge. Some dust soil, most noticeable on reverse. Overall VG and unused. A classic early image. The participation of Bell and Wells (both Hall of Fame members) was critical in drawing other black baseball legends to the Island including Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson. Wells holds the official Negro League seasonal home run record with 27 in 1926 and batted .320 in seven Cuban League seasons winning two home run titles and two MVP Awards. Cool Papa Bell (1903-1991) played center field and was considered to be the fastest ever to play the game. He had his professional debut with the St. Louis Stars in 1922 and played with them through 1931. He played with the Detroit Wolves in 1932, the Kansas City Monarchs between 1932 and 1934, Santa Domingo in 1937, the Mexican League from 1938 through 1941 and the Homestead Grays in 1932 and 1943-1946. He last played for the semi-pro Detroit Senators in 1946 and coached the Monarchs in the late 1940s. The Cienfuegos first participated in the Cuban Professional League Championship during the 1926-27 season. The team played their home games in Havana and did not play in 1927 but came back again from 1928 through 1931. They stopped playing for eight years but returned in 1939-40 for tournament play. In the 26 championships in which they participated the team won five league titles. From the Richard Merkin Collection and comes with Hake’s COA.