Circa 1910s, oil on canvas, unsigned, depicting a game's opening in November 1910 during the historic post-season barnstorming tour of the island nation by the Detroit Tigers and the Philadelphia Athletics. A smiling Ty Cobb of Detroit readies to bat while a Cuban player, possibly José Mendez of the Almendares Blues, anticipates the opening pitch from Cuban President José Miguel Gomez, who towers over draped flag bunting. Presented in a later 20th century carved giltwood frame.

SS 31 x 39.75 in.; DOA 37.5 x 46 in.

From the Collection of a Gentleman, Florida

Cuban baseball teams, unlike those in the United States, were racially integrated by the early 20th century. In fact, many talented players from the Negro Leagues went south to enjoy the professional equality that they were denied at home. This original painting offers a rare glimpse into what was truly a "level playing field" based on an athlete's ability regardless of his race.

Overall craquelure; paint chips along most of lower edge with a small area of losses in top center.

$1,000 - 2,000