Card Statistics

John Henry “Pop” Lloyd is presented in Helmar’s T3 series with the Philadelphia Giants, standing calmly on the field with his glove at his side. The pose is restrained and dignified, allowing Lloyd’s presence to carry the image without theatrical action. His pale uniform with bold blue lettering, dark stockings, and matching cap are set against a green field and softly colored sky, while the low grandstand behind him places the figure firmly within the visual world of early twentieth-century baseball.

The original artwork was painted by Natalia Valiukavich in watercolor. She uses light cream and gray washes to model Lloyd’s uniform, with stronger blue accents in the cap, lettering, trim, and stockings. The face is handled with warmer color and careful modeling, while the glove and shoes provide darker anchors. The background remains broad and subdued, allowing the upright figure to dominate the composition and giving the card the quiet, formal character of an early tobacco portrait.

John Henry “Pop” Lloyd was one of the greatest shortstops in Black baseball history and one of the most respected players of his generation. He joined the Philadelphia Giants in 1907, where Sol White helped develop him into an elite shortstop, and Lloyd quickly established himself as both a brilliant fielder and formidable hitter. Over a professional career lasting more than a quarter century, he starred for many of the leading Black clubs in the East and Midwest, including the New York Lincoln Giants, Chicago American Giants, Brooklyn Royal Giants, Bacharach Giants, and Hilldale. His skill and leadership earned admiration across racial lines, and he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977. (Society for American Baseball Research)

Numbered #43, the Lloyd card strengthens the growing Black baseball component of the T3 checklist and adds one of its most important early stars. His Philadelphia Giants identification is especially significant because it represents the period when Lloyd was developing into the premier shortstop of his era. For collectors building Negro League, Philadelphia, or Hall of Fame groupings, this card provides a major historical anchor within the series. (Helmar Brewing Co.)

Produced in Helmar’s distinctive handcrafted tradition, the card combines original watercolor artwork, one of Black baseball’s foundational stars, and a deliberately vintage presentation inspired by the grand-format baseball cards of the tobacco era.

Original watercolor artwork by Natalia Valiukavich.

• Description: Standing with mitt
• Team: Philadelphia Giants
• Population (# Sold): 23
• First Date Sold: 2020-03-31
• Latest Date Sold: 2025-12-23
• Card Status: Retired
• # Sold in past year: 1
• Highest Auction: $ 71.00
• Average Auction Result: $ 34.39

Popularity Rankings