MEARS Auction #182, Ends Saturday, December 2nd 2023, 10:00 PM CST W/30-Minute Rule In Effect

Do you have a similar item for sale? Please contact us at (414)-828-9990 or email troy@mearsonline.com for a free consultation. MEARS Auctions will work with you to determine authenticity, current value, and the marketing strategy which will help you maximize the value of your item.

Lot #156:

1954 Henry "Hank" Aaron Milwaukee Braves Signed 3"x5" B&W Jim Pendleton Photo (JSA) "Racist Promotion All Blacks Look Alike"

Offered is a 1954 Jim Pendleton Milwaukee Braves Signed 3"x5" B&W Photo signed by a rookie Henry Aaron. He signed the photo with his legal first name of Henry. On April 13th, 1954, a very young Henry Aaron made his debut for the Milwaukee Braves. As was the custom of the time, Braves players were asked to make personal appearance at local businesses. Many Braves have been chronicled appearing at department stores, local bowling alleys, and corner gas stations. In early 1954, the rookie, then known as Henry Aaron, made an appearance at the Wisco Service Station located at 43rd and Greenfield. The team did not have any promotional materials printed as of yet, so a member of the team's PR department provided the rookie with cards of Jim Pendleton. When asked why Aaron was signing a Jim Pendleton card, the station attendant stated, "It doesn't matter, all of the black players look alike". The sting of racism always impacted Hank Aaron's career, and this was certainly and early bite. These details were included in the lot description so we never forget the obstacles Aaron and other African Americans had to endure to compete in America's game. Very earlier and socially significant Hank Aaron artifact.

(80D0169)

(JSA Auction Letter)