Willard Brown Signed Index Card - PSA/DNA

Sold For:

$390

Year:

1930

Auction:

2019 Fall

Lot #:

1879

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Lined index card signed in blue ink (grading “8”) by Hall of Fame outfielder and former Negro League star Willard Brown (1915-1996). PSA/DNA has encapsulated the card and certified the signature as "Authentic." Willard Brown enjoyed the reputation as one of the most feared sluggers in Negro League history. Perhaps the greatest testament to his hitting prowess is the fact that Josh Gibson himself bestowed Brown with the nickname “Home Run.” Brown starred with the Monarchs for fourteen seasons from 1935 to 1951 (he missed time due to military service, and one year was spent in the Mexican League), leading the club to six pennants. In 1947 Brown followed in the footsteps of Jackie Robinson to the Major Leagues and briefly joined the St. Louis Browns. Although he played only in twenty-one games with the Browns, he became the first black player to hit a home run in the American League. He later returned to the Negro Leagues and then finished his career in the minors, playing with a number of clubs in the Texas League. Brown was one of 17 Negro League players elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006 by special election, ten years after his death. As a result, his signature is scarce today. This is just the fourth Willard Brown signature example we have handled. The card (5 x 3) displays a tiny pencil notation on the reverse and is otherwise in Near Mint condition. Pre-certified by Steve Grad and Brian Sobrero/Beckett Authentication Services. Reserve $200. Estimate (open).