Catcher Earl Smith (d 1963)

[mschwade]

Born in 1897, Deceased in 1963. Catcher in the Big Leagues from 1919-1930, including World Champion in '22 with NY Giants and 25 with Pittsburgh Pirates.

Does anyone own or has anyone seen his signature before?

Thanks in advance,
Matt

[Mark]

Originally Posted by mschwade

Born in 1897, Deceased in 1963. Catcher in the Big Leagues from 1919-1930, including World Champion in '22 with NY Giants and 25 with Pittsburgh Pirates.

Does anyone own or has anyone seen his signature before?

Thanks in advance,
Matt

The Toughest Man in Baseball. I've got it on a '27 Pirates team baseball.

[Hot Springs Bathers]

I read this post and couldn't wait to ask my Dad about a signature. Earl coached my Dad's Coca Cola League team in Hot Springs, Arkansas in 1935.

I went to see my 93 year old Dad at lunch today and told him about the post, when I asked if he ever got anything signed by him he just laughed. His response was back in those days we didn't own anything to sign and would have never dreamed of asking him for one.

He told me Earl was a great coach and a really tough fellow. I think several papers in that era listed him as the best catcher in history before Bill Dickey. I think he worked as kind of a greater and bouncer at some of the local casinos in the 1930s.

Shanty Hogan owned a bowling alley underneath the Southern Club for many years and they could be seen sitting on a bench together quite often.

Dad did get a signature from Jimmy Foxx while working the fields at the Ray Doan Baseball School during that period. He said Foxx would play catch with the kids and one year game Dad a Heinie Manush glove before heading off to Spring Training.

[mschwade]

Originally Posted by Hot Springs Bathers

I read this post and couldn't wait to ask my Dad about a signature. Earl coached my Dad's Coca Cola League team in Hot Springs, Arkansas in 1935.

I went to see my 93 year old Dad at lunch today and told him about the post, when I asked if he ever got anything signed by him he just laughed. His response was back in those days we didn't own anything to sign and would have never dreamed of asking him for one.

He told me Earl was a great coach and a really tough fellow. I think several papers in that era listed him as the best catcher in history before Bill Dickey. I think he worked as kind of a greater and bouncer at some of the local casinos in the 1930s.

Shanty Hogan owned a bowling alley underneath the Southern Club for many years and they could be seen sitting on a bench together quite often.

Dad did get a signature from Jimmy Foxx while working the fields at the Ray Doan Baseball School during that period. He said Foxx would play catch with the kids and one year game Dad a Heinie Manush glove before heading off to Spring Training.

Darn! Great story though I appreciate you checking with him!

[mschwade]

While I am at it, is his teammate Joe "Moon" Harris a rare signature as well?

Thanks,
Matt