Fine example of pitcher Bob Groom's 1914 Cracker Jack
issue. Extremely light diamond cutting is present, keeping this offering from achieving perfect centering. The card's technical grade can be
explained by a soft right edge with some chipping and rounded corners. But this offering still has plenty of eye
appeal and bold, dark colors.
There is
some product
staining typical for the issue, but it remains mostly visible in
the borders and on the back, with just a few light areas seen on
Groom's uniform.
Thanks to the fine folks at Rueckheim Bros. & Eckstein, the Cracker Jacks offer a look at players from the upstart Federal League among its 144 subjects, including Groom, who spent 1914 and 1915 playing for the St. Louis Terriers before returning to the American League where he spent the other eight years of his 10-year career. In 1917, Groom became the first pitcher in history to lead the league in losses three times in a career, a feat which only six men have matched or surpassed since.