October Pickups

[Shoebox]

Originally Posted by packs

I know this is slightly post war and apologize. But very excited to have won this 1948-49 Toleteros card of Francisco Coimbre. He was a great hitter and 2 time Negro League All Star. After his career he became a scout for the Pirates and is credited with convincing them to take a chance on Roberto Clemente.

Nice card! If I had the collecting budget I dream of I would turn into a Negro League hoarder!

[packs]

Thanks. I know he might not be a household name but Coimbre is a legend in Puerto Rico. They named a museum after him in Ponce. Here's a quote from Satchel Paige on what it was like to pitch to him:

Satchel Paige stated “Coimbre could not be pitched to. No one gave me more trouble than anyone I ever faced, including Josh Gibson and Ted Williams.”

[bbpostcards]

On the subject of Puerto Rican baseball... Here's Josh Gibson and the owner of the Santurce Crabbers team he played for there, Pedrin Zorrilla, together in about 1939. For more, visit http://www.sportingoregon.com

[brian1961]

Thanks PACKS for the scan of Mr. Coimbre's Toleteros card, and the brief history of his enormous contribution to the Pirates. I learned something from you! Also, I appreciated the quote you provided from Satchel Paige on pitching to this gentleman. That puts his significance in a much brighter light. I don't know how you display your cards, but a small "museum type" of paragraph consisting of the words you just shared with us would be very beneficial to anyone who cast a glance at your beautiful card of Francisco, then read what you wrote. No one with an ounce of baseball history appreciation would fail to be immensely impressed by the man and a rare baseball card of him.

Your one card carries a great deal of weight and significance, mated with your knowledge of its importance.

A shout out of appreciation to you, bro. Have a peaceful weekend. --Brian Powell

[pete zouras]

Thanks Mike!