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Wilmer Fields was a versatile and stellar performer in the Negro Leagues, Latin America, and Canada. A pitcher with a running fastball complemented by a curve and a slider, he was an ace on the last Negro League champion, the 1948 Homestead Grays.

Fields pitched and played third base in the Negro Leagues from 1939-1950. He helped his teams win eight championships. A Negro League All Star in ’48, Fields won also played in Venezuela’s winter league. He won the batting crown there in ’51-’52, the Triple Crown in ’52-’53. By the time his playing career was over, Fields was earned a 8 MVPs in his various leagues.

Later in life, Fields became the president of the Negro League Players Association. Holding the post in the 1990s and beyond, Fields worked on pension funds for former players. He also shined the light on the Negro Leagues and increased public awareness of its influence.

Shown here is a handwritten letter from near the end of Fields’ playing career. Fields writes to former Indianapolis Clowns team owner Syd Pollock saying in part, “I have two boys that have the ability to be good ball players. One is a college student and the other is right out of high school.”

Fields’ autograph is not rare. However, vintage pieces like this one written on St. Patrick’s Day in 1956 remain highly prized by collectors.