1949-50 Acebo Newton Estapé premium of Chuck Connors. Chuck Connors (1921–1992) was an American actor, baseball player, and basketball player best known for starring as Lucas McCain in the classic TV western The Rifleman. Before acting, Connors was a rare two-sport professional athlete who played in both Major League Baseball and the NBA. He appeared for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, and also played basketball for the Boston Celtics. He was one of the very few athletes to play in both leagues.


Issued in Cuba by photographer Newton Estapé, these oversized photographic premiums featured players from the Cuban Winter League in large-format black-and-white portraits, typically measuring around 8" x 10" or larger. Each image is the same as that player's card in the 1949-50 Acebo set. Unlike traditional cards, they were produced as premium photo collectibles rather than pack-issued cards, with photographic paper stock and studio-quality imagery that gave them a display-piece feel. The issue is especially notable for its sharp photography and inclusion of Cuban stars, Negro Leaguers, and Major League players participating in winter ball. Surviving examples are scarce today, largely due to their large size.