DATE: 1933-36 ORIGINAL or REPRINT: Type 2 Original - Printed from the original negative, but in a later period TEAM: Philadelphia Athletics SUBJECT: Pinky Higgins PHOTOGRAPHER: George Burke APPROXIMATE SIZE: 3-1/2"x5-1/2" MARKS / STAMPING: Handwritten identification of photo's subject. Has standard postcard back but remains postally unused. NUMBER OF PHOTOS: 1 COMMENTS / CONDITION: Offered is an approximately 3-1/2"x5-1/2" real photo postcard of Pinky Higgins, pictured in his Philadelphia Athletics uniform circa 1933-36. The original photo was taken by George Burke in 1933-36, but this card was produced some time later (no earlier than the 1950's judging by the standard Kodak back). Comes from a large collection of such postcards that we will be listing over the coming months, all having standard postcard backs but being postally unused. Wear on these, if any, is mostly confined to minor corner and edge wear, but see scans for further details including condition. We do not deal in stock images or modern reprints, and all scans shown are of the actual item being sold. If you have any questions about a particular piece, please ask before the auction ends. BIO: Michael Franklin Higgins (Pinky) was born in Red Oak, TX and died in 969 in Dallas, TX. He went to college at University of Texas at Austin. He played major league baseball from 930 to 946 as 3rd baseman for the Philadelphia Athletics, Boston Red Sox, and the Detroit Tigers, appeared in the 940 and 946 World Series, and was selected in 934, 936 and 944 as an All-Star. He was nicknamed "Pinky" as a baby, and according to some reports, detested the name. Alternatively, he was identified by each of his given names. He signed some autographs as Frank Higgins, but was predominantly known as Mike, especially later in his career. Higgins started his managing career with the Class B Roanoke Red Sox of the Piedmont League in the Red Sox farm system in 947. After eight seasons of managing in the minors — including four (95-54) at the helm of the Red Sox' AAA affiliate, the Louisville Colonels of the American Association — he became Boston's skipper in 955. Higgins managed the Red Sox through the mideason of 959, when he was replaced by Billy Jurges. He then became a special assistant to owner Tom Yawkey, with whom he had become friends. But Jurges struggled as a manager and was fired midway through the 960 season with the Sox in last place. After coach Del Baker handled the Red Sox for seven games, Higgins resumed his old job. However, the Red Sox continued to lose. Nevertheless, on September 30, 960, Higgins was signed to a three-year contract extension as field manager, and given control of all playing personnel in the Boston organization — effectively serving as general manager (without the formal title) as well as skipper. Higgins formally hung up his uniform and joined Boston's front office full-time as executive vice president and general manager after the 962 campaign, finishing his managerial career with a record of 560-556 (.502) in ,9 games. He was 53 when he fully retired from managing. As a skipper, Higgins was known for being well-liked by players and very laid back. He would not go out to the mound to talk to his pitcher very often and once said, "I don't believe in that business of walking out to the mound every time a pitcher's in trouble. You can't tell him anything new." SKU: GB11028
Item: GB11028
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