1950 Our World Magazine Photo Premium "Negroes In Big League Baseball" Featuring Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, Monte Irvin, and Larry Doby

Presented is a fascinating and unusual large photographic premium depicting the only nine African American baseball players in the Major Leagues during the 1950 baseball season, with Hall of Famers Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, Monte Irvin, and Larry Doby as the highlights. While not much is known about the specific origin of this piece, extensive research by our consignor has arrived at "Our World" magazine as a potential explanation for its creation. "Our World" magazine was produced from 1946 to 1957 for a primarily African American audience and served to promote and inform its readers on a variety of contemporary issues. In the October 1950 issue, an article written in July 1950 by Al White titled "Negroes in The Big Leagues" is presented and focuses on the nine African American players at the Major League level. (A copy of this article is presented online for review, but an original does not accompany this piece.) It is a possibility that this piece was created for promotional purposes - perhaps in conjunction with this article - but the project, which may have been to cultivate African American interest in sport or for use as an anti-racism campaign, was never pursued. Each of the images of the players included is from very early in their respective careers and in most cases can be tied to different photographers. The absence of credit and further information may suggest that permission for distribution was not granted. Additionally, research shows an article from the "People In Sports" column titled “Is Organized Negro Baseball On The Way Out?” from the June 6, 1951, issue of "People Today" magazine. (A copy of this article is presented online for review, but an original does not accompany this piece.) It is clear from both articles that promoting African Americans in the Major Leagues was gaining traction. Measuring 11 x 14 inches, the piece is printed on semi-glossy photographic paper and is high quality in its presentation. While the piece does suffer a number of condition issues, including a part of the upper left corner missing, it remains a significant piece with outstanding subject matter from this critical time in Major League history.