Al Smith's a great example of someone who brought solid AAA hitting to the MLB level, working year-by-year through the Cleveland system, getting the call up, and going on to notch two All-Star seasons and 1500 hits across the next 11 years. As with many hometown San Diego players, he appeared in multiple poses for this 1950 Hage's set, with this batting shot being his best-known today. (Three poses call him "Al" and three more call him "Alphonse.")

The SGC POOR 1 grade reflects rounded corners and modest surface scuffing, as its black ink marked readily on card fronts, yet its central image remains clear. The reverse shows some edge chipping and residue, as well as one of the more obscure Hage's "save 5%" ads. The combined SGC/PSA population reports show just six confirmed batting cards, making scarcity an important factor for PCL set builders and those seeking Hage's ad backs.

Hage's Dairy of Southern California sponsored regional card sets from 1949-51, offered at concession stands for Lane Field Park, home of the PCL San Diego Padres. Most came packaged with popcorn and it's possible others entered the hobby via company or team promotions. 1950 singles prove tough indeed to find, as the PSA population report counts 66 total graded for its 128-player checklist. All 1950 cards come with black-and-white fronts and use similar text size for player and team names, distinguishing it from Hage's other years.