The window in the photo is open, but the window of opportunity that opened for black ballplayers in the late '40s stayed shut for Terris McDuffie, pictured here in this intriguing 3 x 5" shot (photo EX) of the Negro League star smoking. His rare signature (9/10) to the left in thick ballpoint sports an extended a greeting to one "Eulagio Penaluer My Best Friend" on Feb. 7, 1945. McDuffie's nickname was "The Great," acquired for his success in the American Negro leagues and Caribbean winter leagues. He was well known for facing Josh Gibson in a game at Yankee Stadium in 1944. McDuffie, pitching for the New York Black Yankees, surrendered four singles to the legendary catcher, and Gibson's Grays won by 15-3. It was a rare bad day, but it looks like McDuffie got over it.