Silver Trophy Baseball Bat Awarded to Regino “Marmelo” García Leads Ephemera, Americana & Historical Memorabilia Sale

Cuban baseball legend Regino “Marmelo” García played from 1901 to 1914 with several ballclubs, including San Francisco, Almendares, Cuban X-Giants, and more. He was elected to the Cuban Baseball Hall of Fame in 1941. An original bat awarded to García in 1907 with an engraved presentation leads the Ephemera, Americana & Historical Memorabilia sale, presented by Potter & Potter Auctions. García was a catcher for 12 seasons in the Cuban Winter Leagues and holds the record in Cuba for winning the batting crown for four consecutive years (1904 – 1907). In celebration of his prowess, he was given this ‘silver’ trophy baseball bat, made of white metal and plated in silver. The inscription reads “Al Champion / BAT / de 1907 / Regino García.” Also available in the sale is a rare photo showing several legendary players of the Cuban league, including Regino Marmelo García, Alfredo Cabrera, Armando Marsans, and director Juan Sanchez. It is an albumen print showing 21 players and coaches of the Cuban Almendares Baseball Club (1908 – 1909).

A complete set of all 50 1911 (T-201) Mecca cigarettes baseball cards are also available in the auction. Mecca, one of the earliest successful Turkish cigarettes, was introduced by Kinney Bros. in 1878. To attract buyers, the cigarette brand was named Mecca to evoke exotic destinations. Many Mecca ads featured elegant turbaned men. The ads used vibrant, luxurious colors and imagery and soon started issuing covers with famous sports players, like the ones available in the sale. The auction also offers over 600 rare photographs, ephemera, postcards, pinups and more. View the full catalog of the Ephemera, Americana & Historical Memorabilia auction and register to place a bid by visiting Potter & Potter Auctions.