In 1952, Jimmy Newberry and John Brittain, two veterans of the Negro Leagues, became the first African Americans to play Japan Pro Baseball. Newberry had already spent five years pitching for the Birmingham Black Barons when Harlem Globetrotters owner, Abe Saperstein, who owned his contract, made arrangements for Newberry and Brittain to play in Japan for the Hankyu Braves. Newberry, a pitcher, did quite well, winning 11 games with a 3.22 ERA . While Brittain stayed in Japan for the 1953 season, Brittain returned to the U.S. Well past his prime, Newberry pitched three years in American Class B and Class C leagues before retiring after the 1956 season. Jimmy Newberry's story is an important chapter for both Japan Pro Baseball, and for racial progress. Blank Backed.

Size: 1 1/2" x 4 1/2"

Condition: Ex to Ex/Mt