Presented here are three postcards signed by Hall of Famers who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The first two postcards have been signed by Paul and Lloyd Waner, brothers from Oklahoma who spent the bulk of their careers with the Pirates during the 1920s and 1930s. Paul “Big Poison” Waner manned right field in Forbes Field, while Lloyd “Little Poison” Waner patrolled the vast expanse of center field in the concrete and steel cathedral located in South Oakland. Both men were incredible hitters, finishing their careers with batting averages of .333 (Paul) and .316 (Lloyd). Paul made the Hall first, with his election taking place in 1952. In 1967, Lloyd was enshrined via the Veteran’s Committee.

     Paul Waner signed a postcard addressed to a “Mr. J.J. Siko” of nearby Wilkinsburg, PA. He used black pen to write his signature above a typed line with the text “Pittsburgh Pirates 1938”. This postcard has been encapsulated and graded a NM 7 by PSA/DNA (83132659).

     Lloyd signed a postcard addressed to a fellow named “Happ” in Detroit, Michigan. He wrote “Best of Luck / Lloyd J. Waner / ‘Pirates 1927-45’” in black pen. This item has been encapsulated and graded a MINT 9 by PSA/DNA (83132661).

     The third postcard has been signed by Pie Traynor, a Hall of Fame third baseman who spent his entire 17 season career in Pittsburgh. A contact hitter who specialized in lacing extra base hits into the various corners of Forbes Field, Traynor notched 371 doubles and 164 triples in his illustrious career. In addition to his hitting skills, Traynor was the premier defensive third sacker of his era. Traynor, who finished his career with a .320 batting average, was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1948. This postcard was sent to the same “J.J. Siko” as the Paul Waner postcard. Traynor signed the reverse side of this postcard in black pen. This item has been encapsulated and graded a NM 7 by PSA/DNA (83132656).

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