Collect The Black Aces
As we continue our Black History Month series on the Black Aces, we now turn our attention to the first five members of this elite group. These pioneering African-American pitchers not only achieved the remarkable feat of winning 20 games in a single Major League Baseball season but also broke barriers and set new standards of excellence on the mound. In this installment, we will highlight each of these trailblazers and showcase their most iconic trading cards
The Black Aces Pt. 1
1956 Topps Baseball #235 Don Newcombe
Player info
• won at least 20 games in three seasons
• Four-time all-star
• 1956 cy young award winner
Set info
• 340 base cards
what they’ve said
•“I’m not just representing myself when I take the mound. i’m representing other young Black players that may want to be pitchers in the future. The example that I set, the things that I do, somebody is always watching.” – fellow black ace dave stewart when asked about newcombe’s advice
1952 Topps Baseball #382 Sam Jones
Player info
• topped 20 wins in 1959
• two-time all-star
• 1959 nl wins leader
set info
• 407 cards
• Topps’ first mainstream issue
What they’ve said
• “He did everything you could ask of a pitcher,” said Bill Rigney, “and he did it well.” – former mlb player bill rigney
1958 Topps Baseball #394 Jim Grant RC
Player info
• two-time all-star
• 1965 al wins leader
• topped 20 wins in 1965
set info
• 494 card set
What they’ve said
• “And then he taught me, ‘This is what you’re going to have to face [as a Black player]. You’ve got to face it, and when you cross the white lines, you better win. It ain’t about, ‘Oh, this is so bad for me.’ You better win. Because if you don’t win, [it’s] good-bye, see you later.” – jim grant on his advice from mlb pioneer larry doby
1959 Topps Baseball #314 Bob Gibson
Player info
• hall of famer
• nine-time all-star
• five seasons with at least 20 wins
set info
• 572 card set
What they’ve said
• “It was truly an honor and privilege to coach Antonio Gates. Antonio is one of the best ever to play the game, and he’s a special person. He always helped his teammates both on and off the field.” – Coach Mike Mccoy
1967 Topps Baseball #333 Fergie Jenkins
Player info
• Hall of Famer
• Won at least 20 games in seven seasons
• Cubs and Rangers Hall of Famer
set info
• 600 card set
what they’ve said
• “And I enjoyed pitching. I think that’s what you have to have nowadays. If you’re going to be a pitcher on a staff: you have to enjoy going out there. Doesn’t matter what team you’re facing.” – jenkins on his career
