Buck Leonard 1970s Hall of Fame Induction Weekend Original TYPE 1 Photo

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.