1923-24 Matanza Billiken Among the group of Billiken cards, purchased in Cuba, were seven cards, which were unknown to collectors until now. The cards include Pablo "Champion" Mesa and Negro league pitcher Dave Brown. Even more astonishing the other five cards picture players from the Matanzas championship. To this date I have not been able to confirm the existence of other cards in this set.
1927-28 Unknown A group of 8 blank backed cards appeared in Auction in 2003. They included Esteban Montalvo, Jose Maria Fernandez, Armando Marsans, Dick Lundy, Pop Lloyd, Isidro Fabre and two images of Almendares Park. To this date I have not been able to confirm the existence of other cards in this set. Nor do we know the manufacturer or how they were distributed.
1920s Uncatalogued This Babe Ruth card appeared in a 2005 auction. The card was listed as found inside the pages of an old Spalding guide that was part of Cuban baseball historian Severo Nieto's book collection. No other examples have been found. It measures 2 7/16" by 3 3/4" and is on thick cardboard. It appears to be hand-cut and has a blank reverse.
Reprint and Collector Sets:
1923-24 Billiken (Reprint Set) A reprint set picturing the 60 cards from the 1923-24 Billiken set was produced in 2000. It has appeared for sale on eBay a few times.
2001 Superior Card Co. A limited set picturing Martin Dihigo on the 1939 Havana Lions team. A limited Edition of 500 were printed by the Superior Card Company in 2001.
1951 and 1952 “Faux” Topps and Bowman A reprint set picturing players from the Cuban Leagues in cards made to look like 1951 and 1952 Topps and Bowman cards.
Rare Mini Cuba League Baseball Cards This card and others of similar designed appeared in auctions in 2010 advertised as “Rare Mini Cuba League Baseball Cards.” this are newly created cards.
Heroe del Beisbol These disk shaped cards appeared in auctions in 2010 advertised as “Cuba Baseball HEROE DEL BEISBOL Disc Card.” This are newly created cards. the set includes many Cuban stars and subset of Puerto Rican baseball stars.
