This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/5/2016
Willard Jessie Brown was the right fielder for the Kansas City Monarchs (1936-1944, 1948-1950) who helped the franchise to six Negro League pennants from 1937-1946. Known for his above-average speed, Willard Brown was a sturdy and durable outfielder, but also possessed great power at the plate, consistently batting over the .300-mark if not .350. Negro League slugger Josh Gibson nicknamed his "Home Run" Brown for his frequency of blasting the long ball. Brown lost two years to military service during World War II and played one season with the St. Louis Browns in 1947 and appeared in 21 games. He became the first black player to hit a home run in the American League. The Negro Leagues Committee elected Willard Jessie Brown to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006. Nice signed index card from this tough Hall of Famer!!!