Lot # 2120: 1923 Turkey Stearnes Signed Index Card - JSA

Rare lined postcard signed in blue ink by Negro League Hall of Famer Turkey Stearnes. Stearnes has not only signed the card but added information regarding his career: "Turkey Stearnes/Centerfielder of the/Detroit Stars/1923." Stearnes began his career with the Detroit Stars in 1923 and later played with both the Chicago American Giants and Kansas City Monarchs. Stearnes was considered one of the greatest hitters of his era and Satchel Paige later commented that Stearnes “was as good as anybody who ever played ball.” The numbers seem to back up Paige. Stearnes batted over .300 in thirteen of his nineteen seasons and is unofficially credited with 140 home runs in 585 games. During the 1980s and 1990s, many former Negro League players openly expressed their disbelief that Stearnes was not in the Hall of Fame. In 2000 his time finally came and his plaque now rightfully hangs in Cooperstown’s hallowed halls. Stearnes’ signature is particularly rare today due to the fact that he passed away in 1979, long before his induction and just before the period when baseball memorabilia began to grow as an industry. The card (5 x 3 inches) is in Near Mint condition.