eBay Find: Billy Sunday Real Photo Postcard

This is one of the most unusual eBay items available right now. It is a Real Photo Postcard, circa 1920's- 1930's, of former 19th Century ballplayer and famed preacher Billy Sunday. What is unusual about this auction is that it's an actual postcard of Billy Sunday in a Baseball uniform. Other than the handful of vintage items available, like the one Old Judge card below, cards or photos of him in a uniform are difficult to find. This postcard is a rarity.

As some of you may know he played ball during Baseball's infancy. Billy was originally signed by Hall of Famer Cap Anson and was known as Baseballs fastest runner. In his first game he struck out four times- a record in Baseball at that point.

"It is said that the expression, "You can't steal first," originally referred to Sunday. "

In 1891, Billy Sunday, after becoming an devote Christian, left Baseball to become a street minister. The rest is history.

Controversial Wagner to be on HBO Tonight

As you may already know, the controversial Wagner I wrote about the other day will be a topic of discussion tonight on HBO's "Real Sports" with Bryant Gumbel. The T206 Wagner did not sell at the recent auction, as most vintage collectors expected. The auctioneer has indicated that

"he'll now commit to more scientific examination of the card including an ink test, in an effort to validate the claim of authenticity. He says once more document experts verify the card's age, he'll then submit the card to a professional card grading service and ask them to authenticate it."

It's about time!

Hat Tip: Sports Collectors Daily

Update: Vintage Baseball Card Forum has a great rundown of the episode; including a short transcript.