It seems appropriate during the Easter holiday to look at one of the more overlooked Negro league stars to play in the MLB, Luke Easter. Bill James rates Easter as the second-best first baseman in Negro leagues history, only behind Buck Leonard.
After playing for the Homestead Grays in the 1940s, Easter was signed by the Cleveland Indians in 1949 when he was 33 years old. The massive (6’4”/240) power hitting first baseman was famous for his lengthy homeruns, known as Easter Eggs.
While still playing with the Homestead Grays in 1948, Easter was the first player to hit a home run into the center field bleachers at New York’s Polo Grounds during a game. As a rookie with Cleveland, he hit the longest home run ever at Cleveland’s Municipal Stadium over the auxiliary scoreboard in right field.
Easter’s 1950 APBA card, shown here, is an impressive first season debut for the 34-year-old. Not only did he hit 28 homers, but he drove in 107 runs—good for eighth in the AL. While he hit a respectable .280, his card will probably produce closer to .290 because of its walk ability. Easter was plunked a lead leading 10 times but doesn’t have a 42 on his card. Instead, he received two 22s.
As for the 1950 baseball season, Luke Easter is one of many fun cards from an underrated season replay option for APBA baseball hobbyists.
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com
Hi Kirk, Fun piece! Should Easter pitch to former Braves’ catcher Bruce “Eggs” Benedict. Easter and Eggs, what a battery! Also have to have Willie Mays in center for the “basket” catches. And what’s Easter without “The Candy Man”? Got to have John Candelaria in the ‘pen. I think I’ve been quarantined too long…
Thanks Mike! Glad to see it got you…thinking.