This front-and-back signed postcard dates to July 1956, less than two months before Baltimore catcher Tom Gastall suffered a flight accident in his own light plane and died mid-season. Gastall played in just 52 games across 1955-56 and Topps never issued a card for him, making this his best representation as a major league player.

Gastall's verified signatures prove tough indeed today, considering his short career and limited on-field impact. This Baltimore team postcard shows a fine combination of composition, message, and Tom’s signatures. His strong central image and note to David show the care taken by many players of that era to respond when fans reached out. It will be just as treasured by the autograph or Orioles collector who hunts for our pastime’s hardest-to-find examples.