Fun things added to blank back cards

[brianp-beme]

Here are some examples of cards utilized for informational purposes...typed (they ran this one through the typewriter in typical destroy your Zeenut fashion), yearly stats, updates on careers, line-ups, a Buck Barker of a tough to nail down player. My favorites are the blue ink stat recap of a very good player who needed all his great achievements smooshed into illegibility, and the "Good Outfielder" who was fired for drinking his favorite XXX beverage.

[brianp-beme]

Which leads us to cards extolling the virtues of the ballplayer, especially one kid who perhaps was considering a future in sports writing, with descriptive phrases such as "a darn fast man", "a good pitcher an(d) sticker and hitter", and a "flossy twirler", predictions about an up and comer, and even a fair admission that he just doesn't remember Jacobs very well. His competitor only could produce "make things look too easy". Better step it up a notch if you want that daily column, kid.

[brianp-beme]

On the flip side are the negative criticism and flat out insults. I know I would feel pretty low if I were identified as a mediocre pitcher, or a punk relief pitcher, or as a "Man(ager) Pitcher of Seattle, not much of either", or called out as a big fool (could have been either for player or new owner of the card). My favorite insult of all time is the one with "Meusel is nothing but an old flat lunch". And nothing could be worse than being called an old flat lunch.

[brianp-beme]

The world is not such a bad place, as witnessed on the back of these Zeenuts. Cole was a lucky recipient of the top left card, as evidenced by "Dear Cole, here are your pictur(e)s". "This Zee-nut was got by Harold Hague and I am trying to see how far it will go" is perhaps a pay-it-forward scheme, "To be given away to anybody who wants it" sounds pretty generous, and Bob Brabo utilized his last name to coin a new word..."Bob Brabo...TRAB you for any other pictore".

[brianp-beme]

Which leads to Zeenut 'Shooting', which evidently was a contest like pitching pennies to get closest to the wall. Besides tearing off corners, rolling up the card, waxing it etc. to make a card more likely a winner, it didn't hurt to try to influence the outcome with a few choice words, such as "Good Luck", and perhaps even add a little bonus "kiss me' to keep the other boys cards away, if they wanted to avoid cooties. Evidently Wesley "Shooter" Brown was a champion Zeenut Shooter, but he failed to record his victories for posterity. And I am assuming Eddie Miller was also proclaiming his Shooting skills with the misspelled "I am danger's (dangerous?)"

[brianp-beme]

The final installment...the good/bad luck cards. A few more examples of Good Luck, plus my favorite Good Luck and Bad Luck cards...."I wish you good luck and will try and give you back" with the funny little tongue sticking out drawing, "Luck to me but no bute ells (nobody else), and "Bad luck don't use this one for a tore(?). As it will bounce back. And you will lose."

Brian

[ValKehl]

Does anyone recognize whose handiwork this is on the back of this W575-1 card of Sam Rice?

[h2oya311]

Originally Posted by brianp-beme

On the flip side are the negative criticism and flat out insults. I know I would feel pretty low if I were identified as a mediocre pitcher, or a punk relief pitcher, or as a "Man(ager) Pitcher of Seattle, not much of either", or called out as a big fool (could have been either for player or new owner of the card). My favorite insult of all time is the one with "Meusel is nothing but an old flat lunch". And nothing could be worse than being called an old flat lunch.

I think it's "old flat lard"...which doesn't make sense either but is pretty close to "old fat lard". Notice how his earlier "a" looks a lot like a "u". Just a thought...

and awesome thread!

[HRBAKER]

A vary rare "Pirate Back" Exhibit card:



Others:

[brianp-beme]

Originally Posted by HRBAKER

A vary rare "Pirate Back" Exhibit card:

Cool...dat thar pirate even 'ave tattoos!

Brian

[CobbSpikedMe]

Originally Posted by HRBAKER

Others:

Jeff, who is on the front of your Becker/Prize back W516? I love those backs myself.

[HRBAKER]

Andy,
I believe that it is Babe Adams.

[brianp-beme]

Originally Posted by h2oya311

I think it's "old flat lard"...which doesn't make sense either but is pretty close to "old fat lard". Notice how his earlier "a" looks a lot like a "u". Just a thought...

and awesome thread!

Old fat lard...still lacking all components that would make this comment a compliment. I think the last letter of lunch/lard looks like the 'h' in our little scribbler made in his 'nothing'. But either way still quite humorous.

Brian