1949 Artie Wilson Birmingham Black Barons Negro League Star Original Press Photo

Artie Wilson was one of the Negro Leagues’ finest shortstops, starring for the Birmingham Black Barons from 1942–1948. A seven-time All-Star, he helped lead the Barons to three league championships and won the 1948 Negro American League batting title with a remarkable .437 average, one of the greatest seasons in Negro League history. Wilson also mentored a young Willie Mays in Birmingham. After excelling in the Pacific Coast League, he briefly reached the majors with the New York Giants in 1951.

Offered is a 6” x 8” TYPE III original Associated Press photo of Artie Wilson in uniform. The caption reads,

“(NY8—Feb. 15) CENTER OF CONTROVERSY — Artie Wilson (above), 26-year-old Negro shortstop, became the center of a New York Yankees–Cleveland Indians controversy when it was announced that Cleveland's president, Bill Veeck, flew to Puerto Rico last Thursday and signed Wilson to an Indian contract. The Yankees front office claims they were all set to buy Wilson, who played last year for the Birmingham Black Barons, when Veeck announced he had bought him. (AP Wirephoto) (kch30835str) 1949.”

Stamped on back February 16, 1949 and again December 9, 1951.