Image of Joe McGinnity while in Southern Association (1893) - earliest image?
 

So, I was dumb and forgot to bid on this item on ebay last night...instead, I was at the Red Sox v. Texas blow-out:

http://tinyurl.com/7wsweva

It appears to be an image of Joe "Iron Man" McGinnity as a 22 yr old with the 1893 Montgomery Alabama Colts of the Southern Association. The RPPC has an Azo (four diamonds facing up) back, so I think the card was produced b/w 1904 - 1918, but the image itself, in my opinion, is from 1893 and is of McGinnity.

Interestingly, an owner of this RPPC had written in pencil identified the player as "Joe McGinty", which was McGinnity's name at birth, later changed to McGinnity while as an adult (but clearly before 1899 since his 1899-00 M101-1 Sporting News "rookie" card identifies him as "McGinnity").

Anyone have any thoughts on my assumptions above? I'm really sad I didn't pick this up for $25+ if my assumptions above are correct. Either way, I think the item is pretty darn cool.

Cheers, Derek

Derek:

I saw that one on e-bay too but I don't think that it is the Hall of Fame pitcher.

No way is that HOFer Joe McGinnity.

No chance.

A few images...............
 

A few validated images of Joe McGinnity for comparison:

Postcard photo in question..........
 

Posted for comparison to above validated McGinnity photos..........

would you agree, however
 

would you agree, however, that this appears to be (based on the lettering on the uniform) a player from the Montgomery Alabama Colts??

In 1892, the team was called the Lambs...I see a small C near the MA and would assume this would help in the identification.

Since this team was only around in 1893 w/ this name (to my knowledge), this would limit the number of players that this could be - - ironically, another HOFer, Frank Chance was on this team as well.

That said, I just noticed that he is wearing a glove on his right hand, suggesting that this guy is a lefty. McGinnity was a righty, so I think this confirms that McGinnity is not the guy pictured.

Thanks for putting me in my place guys. I guess I saved myself $25.

Looks more like a uniform for MAA which almost certainly stands for M---- Athletic Association and not a professional team in my opinion.