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Oscar Gamble’s career began when the legendary Buck O’Neil spotted him playing for an all-black semipro team called the Oakwood Clowns. O'Neil recommended him for the Cubs draft. After Oscar reached the majors, it's said that the Cubs executives weren't pleased with him dating white women. So, they traded him to Philadelphia.

The Phillies eventually lost patience with his bat, and dealt him to the Indians... where Gamble started to thrive and grow out his enormous iconic afro. He even opened up a Disco in Alabama, naming it Oscar Gamble’s Players Club. But, in spring of 1976, he was traded to the Yankees... who had strict hairstyle policies, and his fro had to go.

While playing for New York, Gamble was asked by a reporter to discuss the circus-like atmosphere of the team... or so, it was said. Oscar's response, "They don't think it be like it is, but it do." These words have become one of the more significant quotes in baseball history, and is often interpreted as a commentary on racism in the game.

Designed with a font reminiscent of his era, and an emphasis on the word "do," as an extra reference to his fro.

With your purchase of this card, a donation of $150 will be made in collaboration with DailyKarma* to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

*DailyKarma's automated donations are scheduled to occur on the 2nd day of each month.

About my collector cards

After purchasing some old wax packs to study the size and texture of gum sticks, I developed my own paint techniques in order to replicate it. Now, I hand-paint bubble gum directly onto vintage baseball cards to create small collectibles.

Here's what you'll receive with this order

• My original hand-painted gum onto a baseball card.
• Each collector card is paint-marked with it's edition number.
• These art cards are protected inside an Ultra Pro One Touch magnetic card holder... customized with my matching Rosen signature label.
• I do not sign these cards by request. However, your package will include bonus items personally autographed by me.

Expected delivery time for pre-orders

Are you purchasing a pre-order? My pre-order listings are for card art that has not been painted yet. In most cases, I already have the card in stock to paint on, and will create your artwork within a few days of your purchase. Thanks for your patience.

Card Checklist

You may reference my growing checklist of collector-owned cards.