From the newly semi-retired Jim Stinson's last sale list, I just picked up this "Toothpick" Sam Jones vintage signed Fan Club membership card.
Congrats again, Jim! You will be missed.
On May 12, 1955 Cubs hurler and ex-negro league player Toothpick Sam became the first African American to pitch a no-hitter in the ML. On September 26, 1959 while pitching for the SF Giants he followed it up with a rain shortened unofficial 7 inning no-hitter against the St. Louis Cards.
This fan club membership card is exceedingly rare to begin with, but it also is cool because he was a tough signer and passed away very young (age 45) of cancer. The fact that this card mentions his no-hitters made it a no-brainer pickup for my no-hit collection.
COOL FOLLOW UP NOTE: Dwight Chaplin, the original Sam Jones Fan Club membership card owner just reached out to me by e-mail. He is actually one of us on net54 & spotted my post. Small world!
