1916 Zeenut PCL Jimmy Claxton

Sold For:

$16,800

Year:

1916

Auction:

2018 Fall

Lot #:

585

Category:

Prewar Baseball - 1910s and 1920s Cards

Graded FAIR 20 by SGC. Pitcher Jimmy Claxton's color robbed him of a career as a professional ballplayer, but he was immortalized on this Zeenut Candy card issued in 1916. This card is of great historical significance as it is the very first American-issued baseball card featuring a black ballplayer. Claxton was Canadian born, and of African-American and Indian descent. For a single brief week in 1916 he joined the roster of the Oakland Oaks of the Pacific Coast League, but complaints by both fans and players resulted in his quick release. By chance, the week Claxton was with the Oaks was also the very week the Zeenut photographer stopped by for pictures, resulting in the issuing of this extremely rare and important card. This example has several small creases, the letter "P" written in the upper right corner, and light soiling on the reverse. Technically in low grade but still a very attractive example and extremely desirable in any condition. Reserve $500. Estimate (open).