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Walter “Buck” Leonard was one of the best pure hitters to play in the Negro Leagues. He was also a key part of the Homestead Grays dynasty of the 1930s and 1940s.
The first baseman spent his entire 15-year career with the Grays, the longest term of service for a player with one team in Negro League history. He played in a league-record 11 East-West All-Star Games.
Beginning in 1942, the Grays advanced to four consecutive Negro World Series, winning in 1943 and 1944.
At the age of 45, with the color barrier broken, he was offered a major league contract, but turned it down. “In 1952, I knew I was over the hill,” Leonard said. “I didn't try to fool myself.”
League statistics have Leonard batting .345 for his career with a .589 slugging percentage over 2,541 plate appearances.
Offered is a gorgeous original TYPE 1 snapshot photo that measures 3-1/2" x 4-7/8" in size. This photo was taken in Cooperstown during the Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Weekend from the mid – 1970s. Finding original photos of Negro Leaguers pre-1980 are seldom seen. Period Kodak markings on the back of the photo.
*NOTE* we’ve shown an enhanced image (the darker image) of the back for you to view the Kodak markings on the back.
Item: 13447
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