1974 Laughlin Old-Time #8 Josh Gibson Black Stars PSA NM 7

1974 Laughlin Old-Time Black Stars #8 Josh Gibson PSA 7 – A Tribute to the Negro Leagues’ Most Prolific Power Hitter

Few names in baseball history carry as much mythic weight as Josh Gibson. Often referred to as the “Black Babe Ruth,” Gibson was a fearsome force behind the plate and one of the most dominant sluggers the game has ever seen—regardless of league. Though barred from Major League Baseball during his lifetime, his achievements in the Negro Leagues are the stuff of legend: towering home runs, sky-high batting averages, and a presence so overwhelming that even MLB contemporaries spoke of his greatness in reverent tones.

The 1974 Laughlin Old-Time Black Stars #8 is one of the earliest mainstream cardboard tributes to Gibson, part of a groundbreaking set that honored overlooked Negro League legends with vivid caricature art and striking minimalism. This example, graded PSA 7, is exceptionally clean for the issue, with bold black lines, sharp coloring, and strong edges that defy the typical wear of this oversized set. The card captures Gibson in his legendary catching pose, celebrating both his defensive prowess and the larger-than-life impact he left on the game.

A cornerstone for collectors of Negro League memorabilia or vintage oddball sets, this card serves as a powerful reminder of the talent that reshaped baseball history. Clean, bold, and historically rich, it’s a cardboard homage to a giant whose true greatness is still being fully appreciated.