Holiday Auction 2021 Dec 20-Jan 8/9
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/9/2022
Graded GD 2 by PSA. Hall of Famer. An impossibly rare collectible picturing a true legend, this captivating Cuban-issue piece was originally distributed only in Latin America. The relic hails from a release entitled "Los Reyes Del Deporte" – fittingly translated as, "The Kings of Sports." The card – featuring a magical photo of a Cuban player who inspired awe among all of his colleagues – displays remarkable preservation quality, particularly for a paper item that emanates from a region of the world noted for unremitting heat and high humidity: the piece does exhibit mild to moderate peripheral wear, as well as irregular areas of light discoloration on the reverse. A truly special offering, in nominally Good condition.
Martin Dihigo, regarded as the greatest of all Cuban baseball players, is honored as a member of the Cuban, Mexican, and American Baseball Halls of Fame. Dihigo (1906-71) excelled as both a pitcher and a hitter, earning the nickname, "El Maestro." A Cuban of African descent, Dihigo played in the American Negro Leagues, appearing for the Cuban Stars, Homestead Grays, Hilldale Giants, and New York Cubans over his 22-year career in the States. He played every position on the diamond, frequently compiling batting averages in the high .300s. Dihigo starred for years in the Cuban and Mexican leagues as well as the Negro Leagues, earning four Cuban League MVP awards. In one season in Mexico, Dihigo posted an 18-2 record and 0.92 ERA, while also winning the batting title with a .387 batting average.