Helmar “This Great Game” Card #76 – Sam Jones (Chicago Cubs)

This vivid Helmar card features Sam “Toothpick” Jones of the Chicago Cubs in a crouched pitching pose, his body coiled with precision and focus. Set before a modernist skyline of bold reds and blues, the artwork conveys the tension and artistry of a pitcher ready to unleash his best. The composition’s angular backdrop enhances the sense of depth and movement, a fine tribute to Jones’s commanding presence on the mound.

Sam Jones (1925–1971) was a trailblazing right-hander who became the first African American to throw a Major League no-hitter, accomplishing the feat in 1955. Known for his devastating curveball and fierce competitiveness, he led the National League in strikeouts three times and won 21 games for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1959. Jones’s resilience and skill paved the way for a new generation of pitchers who followed in his footsteps.

Helmar’s “This Great Game” series celebrates the timeless artistry of baseball through hand-painted designs inspired by vintage gum cards. Each card blends nostalgia and craftsmanship, honoring players whose impact and spirit endure far beyond the diamond.

Original gouache painting by Sanjay Verma.