This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2010
One of the infamous Chicago Black Sox players, Fred McMullin was a utility infielder for the team from 1916-1920, who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Late in 1919, he accidentally overheard several of his White Sox teammates discussing their plans to throw the World Series because they felt they were underpaid. And to play for that tightwad Charles Comiskey, they WERE underpaid! McMullin threatened his teammates to tell the authorities about the fix unless he was included, and became one of the Eight Men Out. McMullin was a utility player, playing from 1910 through 1915 in the minor leagues, and from 1916 through 1920 in the majors. At this time, baseball cards were not issued in major quantity and combined with his primary bench role, only a single baseball card was issued for Fred McMullin. This is the card, the sole pasteboard example of the most obscure Black Sox player! This card was issued when he was in his final minor league season, when he played for the Los Angeles Angels. This card is from popular 1915 Zeenut set, one of the most difficult Zeenut issues to find. Zeenuts were issued almost over a 30 year period producing cards on players of the Pacific Coast League, considered at the time the premier minor league. This example of "McMullen L.A." (sic) has been graded by SGC at 20 FAIR 1.5. All four corners are evenly rounded with some minor scuffing on the obverse, moist notably near McMullin's left elbow. There is a one inch horizontal crease just above the bottom edge, and two minor wrinkles. The right edge has a stain running the length of entire side, which has light seepage into the reverse. Other than this, the blank back reverse is clean. This is an extremely important card, the only baseball card of this Black Sox participant. Graded by SGC 20 FAIR 1.5, one of only 7 total examples graded at the company.