1916 Zeenut- Jimmy Claxton: First US Pro African American Baseball Card

[Rhotchkiss]

I recently "won" (i.e., paid a fortune for) in REA, the 1916 Zeenut Jimmy Claxton pictured below. Over the past few weeks I have shown it to people -- collectors and non-collectors alike -- and very few people knew what it is and/or who Jimmy Claxton was. I must admit, until about 2 months ago I too had no idea who Jimmy Claxton was or why the card is so special. However, after being tipped-off to the card in September, I did some research and was totally blown away by the importance of, and the story behind, this card; not to mention its rarity (SGC shows 6 graded and PSA shows 1 graded). It really is incredible -- the coincidences and events that had to converge to make the 1916 Zeenut Jimmy Claxton the first African American on a pro baseball card.

Here is a link to a great article that tells the story. I think it is a story that board members would appreciate and enjoy.

https://www.milb.com/milb/news/claxt...gacy/c-8100362