3.5x5.5" postcard c. 1909. Wonderful street scene highlighted by 11 member Cuban Stars team in uniforms seated at left front both on chairs and on the curb. All images are crisp and distinct. Seated first in the back row is Jose Mendez. This postcard predates his 1910 Punch card (which we sold in our June 2011 auction for $32,890) making it an important piece from early in the career of this National Baseball HOF member and all around legend of the game. Mendez joined this team in 1908. Also of importance to baseball historians are two team members who have their uniform numbers clearly visible. It is believed that this was the first professional team to have numbers on their jerseys making this image among the earliest known (if not the earliest) to show a baseball team in this manner. Behind the team are store fronts that include "Wheeler's" barber shop, a restaurant and a clothing store. In front of these establishments are Caucasian men and boys including apparent store employees, owners and/or patrons. Reverse is unused. Front shows slightest aging/margin wear but is totally clean and glossy. Exc. A significant baseball artifact on several levels. From the Richard Merkin Collection and comes with Hake's COA.