[Scott Garner]

Matt,

I concur that the signature that you scanned is absolutely not Samuel Pond "Sad Sam" Jones as Mike and Rhys pointed out.

I'm not sure that your scan is "Toothpick" Sam Jones either. In particular, the "S" in Sam is not like any other exemplars that I've ever seen of "Toothpick" Sam. In addition, the "J" in Jones is inconsistent with his exemplars as well.

Take a look at two of my Toothpick Sam signatures in my personal collection.
The album page was signed in the 1950's, but the signed 3 x 5 is circa late 1950's- 1960. I've also included a photo of a no-hitter game ball from his no-hitter game in 1955. Please also see a photo of "Toothpick" in 1955 while playing on the Cubbies.

To create extra confusion, please check out the attached signed 3 x 5 of the ex- NBA player Sam Jones of the Celtics. Note the formation of the "J" in Jones. The "J" in the NBA player's sig is very similar to your autograph, but it doesn't match the "S" in Sam.

The bottom line here is that "Toothpick Sam's" signature is fairly scarce due to his early death date and the fact that he was speculated by many to be somewhat illiterate. Examples of his autograph are fairly tough for a post WWII regular player. For completeness sake, "Toothpick Sam" was a Negro Leagues player prior to playing in the major leagues and he threw a no-hitter for the NL Chicago Cubs on May 12, 1955.

I would ask Jim Stinson his opinion of your signed 3 x 5. Perhaps he is familiar with this different version of his signature, if it is in fact is. IMHO this is not, in fact, "Toothpick" Sam's sig., FWIW...

I hope this helps!