Negro League Cards/Collectibles Website and/or Book

[bcbgcbrcb]

Is anyone on the board interested in working on a project related to this topic? If so, please send me a PM or e-mail to: vguerrerobb@yahoo.com

What I am looking to do here is put together as comprehensive a database (inlcuding images) as possible of all known paper collectibles, ie - cards, postcards, photos, etc. for every significant Negro League player, starting around 1880 through 1947 when Jackie Robinson broke Baseball's color barrier.

What brought this idea to light for me was the recent offering of Negro League memorabilia presented by Hake's Auctions over the past couple of years. Many of these items were not even known to exist by most serious Negro League collectors such as myself.

Of course, the success of this project depends very much on people coming forward with items that they are aware of as you can't force anyone to disclose information that they do not wish to share.

Hopefully, some fellow board members will be interested enough to pursue this idea.

[36GoudeyMan]

I totally agree, Phil, the Hake's stuff from the Richard Merkin collection was mind-blowing, as were the prices paid. A comprehensive guide to Negro League collectibles is a great idea. I'd love to help but I don't know what I can do, so let me know if there is a role for me.

Two things do jump out at me: ending in 1947 seems a little abrupt, as there were many, many Negro League players who played after 1947 whose connection to MLB and high-visibility careers would enhance an understanding of the Negro League and an appreciation for the talent, but I would limit collectibles for those players to their Negro League careers, not the MLB careers they may have gone on to.

Second, I would exclude tribute items (but not per se, as some of them bear autographs not otherwise available), as there are so many of them now as to swamp the real collectibles, which I think should be the focus, but that's just my opinion (as a probable user/buyer).

Like many novice collectors, I have a few items here and there, and I'd be happy to contribute the meager catalog of items I do have.

[bcbgcbrcb]

Great, thank you for the reply, 36GoudeyMan (sorry, I don't know your first name). If you are interested in participating in this project, please send me an e-mail to: vguerrerobb@yahoo.com. Depending on how big of a response I get, there will definitely be a role for you, maybe larger, maybe smaller.

As far as your ideas, both are good ones and I will be sure to incorporate them into the project. Career contemporary items will be at least the primary, if not sole focus, of the database.

I also agree with including prominent Negro Leaguers at least through the early 1950's but only those items picturing them in their Negro League uniforms, ie - Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, etc.

[bcbgcbrcb]

Thus far, we have 4 volunteers who are fully committed to this project. I would like to find one more board member as 5 is a nice size group, any more than that and it becomes very difficult to get agreement on anything.

Anyone else?

[bcbgcbrcb]

This concept seemed to work very well when three extremely knowledgable board members interested in a specific segment of the hobby all got together to produce a masterpiece book pertaining to Old Judge baseball cards.

[Runscott]

I still think that since it's your project (your idea, anyway), YOU need to determine the scope. Use the other guys (as you have) to help you put it in concrete, but write it down - perhaps with mock-ups of web-site and/or book design. Again, let people know your scope - what date ranges, how many players (all info for all players, all for some players, some for some,etc), what info will you present, how, what format.

Once we know what you want to do, and you have a list of 'work areas' for volunteers, I think you'll see more responses.

[CobbSpikedMe]

Hey Phil,

I'd love to help with this project in any way I can. I love the Negro Leagues, however the cost to add it as a focus to my collection is prohibitive (other than some autos and photos). I would be happy to help in any other way I can though. I'll sent you an email shortly.

Thanks a lot,

AndyH


.

[thecatspajamas]

As an information junkie, I'm looking forward to seeing what comes out of this project. I think that once you have everything laid out, compile all the known info that the major contributors have and can start giving board members an idea of where the holes are, you will see a lot more response.

At least, I know that's where I might be able to contribute a little, and I'm sure there are many other board members who have a small handful of Negro League pieces that they could contribute images and info on, but don't feel they have nearly enough information or exemplars to be jumping into one of the co-pilot's seats.

It is MUCH easier (and less daunting) to contribute missing pieces to a Standard Catalog than it is to compile and write the initial Catalog. This area of the hobby definitely needs to be covered though, and I for one greatly appreciate you stepping up to head up the effort. Good luck!

[bcbgcbrcb]

While it would be great if any of the handful of major Negro League collectors on the board were to come forward and volunteer as that would instantly add a lot of material to the database, I was expecting that to be the exception rather than the case. Maybe as others have mentioned, these individuals will offer their own personal items to be added to the database once the time comes.

What I am really looking for are a few people who are willing and have the time to research old auction archives, both online and catalogues, for every major auction house that has handled Negro League material over the past 20years or so.

Also, looking for research to be done on determining all "significant" Negro League players from the 1880's through the early 1950's, I have no specific number of players in mind and would rather be more liberal than tight with this definition.

Other key areas would be someone to maintain a database, webiste design and someone with connections for book publishing down the road. Possibly, a good writer as well.

Hopefully, this provides an idea of some of the different responsibilities that are out there to assist in this project.

[ChrisH]

I don't necessarily collect negro league memorabilia, I do have a great interest in the negro leagues. I would be more than happy to help with research of any kind. I'm also in the KC area which is home to the negro league museum. If I can be of any use please feel free to contact me.

[bcbgcbrcb]

Thanks, Chris.

I was actually in St. Louis last month and made the four hour drive to the NLM in KC. Not quite Cooperstown but some nice things to see.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by bcbgcbrcb

Thanks, Chris.

I was actually in St. Louis last month and made the four hour drive to the NLM in KC. Not quite Cooperstown but some nice things to see.

That's the most diplomatic description of it I've heard

I think they must have a funding problem - it was disappointing to see so many replica uniforms. Perhaps some of our collectors will 'will' them some items. I'm not joking about this - I have several items that I plan to leave to museums and I think it's a good idea, especially the local town-ball type items.

[bcbgcbrcb]

Just to update those who are interested, I was very close to completion of my research and a proof copy of my Negro League Baseball Collectibles Guide but decided to go back and make some additions/updates which has set me back a little bit. I still expect to have a proof copy done within the next month or two and I am looking forward to publishing it shortly thereafter.

I am still looking for scans of a number of cards along with any other 1-of-a-kind type photos/postcards. If you have anything that you would like me to include, please e-mail me privately at: vguerrerobb@yahoo.com

[bcbgcbrcb]

Anyone?

[h2oya311]

Sounds awesome Phil !! Looking forward to it! I assume you've picked up my c1940's Dandridge PC. Also, how big is your scope? Are you limiting it to items on cardboard stock, or will you include Broadsides and photo premiums??

I don't have much expertise, but I'd be happy to give it a pre-read...from the eyes/viewpoint of a novice!!

[bcbgcbrcb]

Thanks, Derek. Yes, I have your Dandridge postcard included as a c1943 piece based on the uniform style.

As far as types of items, I am including broadsides with player images as well as team premiums, programs & scorecards (cover images only) along with photos, postcards & cabinet cards (only a couple of these).

Dont know if you have this one

[bcbgcbrcb]

Yes, thank you for posting the Dandridge card.

[Jason19th]

I will try to post a couple of things tonight

[bcbgcbrcb]

That would be great, thanks, Jason.