Santurce. Just read the Hiram Bithorn profile in “21” and also had to cancel my first visit to Puerto Rico (and the PR league playoffs) due to the invasion of Venezuela. The Baseball Gods are telling me something.
Love the Oise All-Stars angle for the David vs Goliath narrative. The army belt detail is exactly the kind of subtle touch that makes these cards special. Also the fact that an intergrated team beat an all major league roster is such a powerful counterpoint to the era's segregation. That story alone deserves more visibility than another Monarchs depiction.
My top choice would be the PR league uniform because of his legendary status during his time in the league, the blue and pop of red (Tek) as well as not having seen many, if any, of your cards illustrating this particular league. My second choice, though you didn't ask for it, would be the Oise uniform because I love the David v Goliath story and the unique detail of the army belt.
I also vote for Santurce, with Oise a close second. It was not easy to pick; both stories sound worth knowing in more detail.
I'd personally vote for the Monarchs although he had a key role integrating the Browns.
Of course, I'm partial to his San Antonio Missions uniform - https://www.expressnews.com/150years/military-sports/article/Breaking-racial-barriers-in-S-A-6285452.php - The Missions were a big feeder of the Browns/Orioles in the 40s and 50s including Ned Garver, Charlie White (who integrated the Missions), and Brooks Robinson.
Gotta go with Puerto Rico…I mean the guy hit .432 and was enshrined in the Caribbean HOF…The uniform is spiffy too!!
All excellent choices, so I see why the decision is so hard. My votes are: (1) Santurce, (2) Oise.
If you do pick the WW2 uniform, remember that Gen. Patton commanded the 3rd Army. The 4th Army stayed on the West Coast.
Santurce. Just read the Hiram Bithorn profile in “21” and also had to cancel my first visit to Puerto Rico (and the PR league playoffs) due to the invasion of Venezuela. The Baseball Gods are telling me something.
Love the Oise All-Stars angle for the David vs Goliath narrative. The army belt detail is exactly the kind of subtle touch that makes these cards special. Also the fact that an intergrated team beat an all major league roster is such a powerful counterpoint to the era's segregation. That story alone deserves more visibility than another Monarchs depiction.
They all look good to me!
My top choice would be the PR league uniform because of his legendary status during his time in the league, the blue and pop of red (Tek) as well as not having seen many, if any, of your cards illustrating this particular league. My second choice, though you didn't ask for it, would be the Oise uniform because I love the David v Goliath story and the unique detail of the army belt.
I love articles like this. Wish his MLB career was better. Still, his success in PR (yes, I vote for Santurce 1st) makes him a legend. Very good!
You repeated yourself in the article after that’s where I need your help. I like the last uniform. Thanks for the great artwork.
I'd vote Santurce first, then Oise.
I vote for the Oise uniform. It makes for a great story!