First MLB Card To Depict An African-American Player?

[oldjudge]

Although not the question posed by the OP, the first black athlete to appear on a card was race walker (Pedestrian) Frank Hart in the 1880 Between the Acts set. This is a truly rare and significant card. The last black athlete to play Major League Baseball, prior to Jackie Robinson, was Moses Fleetwood Walker. His image is available in a Syracuse Stars cabinet and a few team photographs, all of which are very scarce.

[Exhibitman]

There aren't a whole lot of 19th century and early 20th century cards for collectors of athletes of African origins. Boxing probably offers the most. Afro-Canadian George Godfrey appeared in N174:



Also appearing was Afro-Australian Peter Jackson, who also had several cards in the Newsboy series. Godfrey and Jackson were joined by Afro-Caribbean Barbados Joe Walcott and Afro-Canadian George Dixon in the N310 Mayo issue. N266 Red Cross has Godfrey, Jackson and Dixon. N332 S.F. Hess has Godfrey and Jackson. N269 Red Cross has African-American boxer Harry Woodson. I suppose Woodson would be the first African-American boxer with a card.

[michael3322]

I just wanted to contribute a scan of the rare Frank Hart card that was mentioned earlier.