1937 Willard Herschberger "Val Decker" Photo Postcard
Item Details
A circa 1937 Willard Hershberger Cincinnati Reds catcher photo postcard from ‘Val Decker Packing and Meats.’ This antique postcard depicts a black and white image of the Reds catcher in a fielding pose. There is a replica signature on the front side. The backside reveals that this postcard has not been used but removed from a scrapbook with slight paper loss in the corner areas. Willard committed suicide in the middle part of the Reds 1940 Championship season. While on a road trip to Boston, Willard a lifetime 3.16 hitter, blamed himself for a recent Reds lose. During this visit, Willard was found dead in his hotel room. The Reds would rally after his death with the slogan ’Let’s Win One For Hershie.’ To date, Willard is the only player to commit suicide in the history of Major League Baseball. This antique postcard is housed in a protective plastic sleeve.
Condition
Unused, paper loss in the corners areas on the backside as the result of being removed from a book. Edge and surface wear with age soiling.
Dimensions
The measurements reflect the size of the post card.
Item #
17CIN468-068
