Had the major league color barrier been broken in the late 1930's, Al Pinkston may have been the guy to do it. A massive slugger, he was one of the best player in the game during the years surrounding WWII. As fate would have it, his best years would be wasted in the era before integration and he would be forced to wait, and wait for a chance that may never come. In 1952 he was signed as the first black player in the Athletics organization, but he was nine years older than he told the scout and in reality, he was nearing forty years old. In 1955 it looked like he would finally get his chance. The offered photograph captures a 39 year old Pinkston in uniform and the back notes he was a rookie outfielder. This is the only image of Pinkston in a major league uniform we have ever seen and it is an exciting discovery, representing both a dark chapter in the history of the game and also one of hope! Photo has a small rip on the bottom border but it otherwise presents beautifully.
Size: 7x9
Designation: Vintage 1
Condition: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
Overall Grade: 9/10