Rarest never before seen; this is believed to be the only Birmingham Black Barons pennant in existence, we one can't even find a museum original, or even a replica, for this particular issue. Before 1945 they weren't even considered a national team; in 1945, they became members of the Negro American League and won three pennants. They could not have achieved this without the help of outfielder Willie Mays. This pennant is likely from the 1948 championship year when the incredible 17-year old Willie Mays was young and impressionable, but unbelievably talented, winning the championship in racially divided Alabama. This is two years before his was scouted and signed by the farm team for the "whites only" New York Giants. Body of the pennant is 27" and is missing the bands at the one end and the "point" at the other. Handsome and exceptional, deep purple with a white player and lettering.