1935 Diamond Stars - Schoolboy Rowe

I asked my grandfather who his favorite ball player was when he was younger. He said, "Schoolboy Rowe." So I found a Schoolboy Rowe card and sent it to him. He said, "What's this for?" I said, "you said he was your favorite player, so I thought it would be fun to send you a card." He said, "never heard of him."

That's how I came to own this 1935 Diamond Stars card from the National Chicle Gum company. Some people like the designs. And they are a good mid-to-low-level set to get into for collectors. The backs gave advice about hitting, running, pitching, and that sort of thing. I have also owned a Pepper Martin (since traded), and a ragged Al Simmons (since sold). These are included below.

Schoolboy Rowe was a popular player for the Tigers in the 30s. He was a country boy, eccentric, and devoted to his high school sweetheart back home in Arkansas. There was a fair bit of lore, mystery, and romance surrounding Rowe, and his popularity only increased when he said, "How am I doing, Edna?" on a national radio interview to the delight of the radio host (who would quote it often in the years hence). Edna was his girl. It was also what he would call the baseball when he talked to it while on the mound. The likeness on this card is not accurate. Never fear, there are more Schoolboy Rowe cards to come.