The Black Bomber! Cooperstown still awaits John Beckwith, the noted slugger who suited up for nearly twenty Negro League franchises over his 23 seasons in professional baseball. The youthful Kentucky native is portrayed toward the dawn of his career with the offered circa 1920s Penn Studio photo. The besuited third baseman casts a determined glare on this remarkably clear 4-1/4 x 6-3/8” black-and-white portrait. The obverse displays expected crazing, creasing and perimeter fraying resulting in the lower right corner being absent. The reverse is stamped Penn Studio and includes the following interesting notations: “If used credit must be given—4727-Afro:-Mr J Beckwith 437 Druid Hill ave Black Sox”. According to Baseball in Baltimore: The First Hundred Years by Brady, several of the Black Sox stayed at Smith’s Hotel located from 435-437 Druid Hill Avenue. Neat one-of-a-kind piece picturing a future Hall of Fame candidate.