This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/16/2017
Graded NM+ 86(7.5) by SGC. “Prince Hal” Newhouser had the unique distinction of being baseball’s best pitcher during the 1940s — as well as its most unpopular player. An uncompromising perfectionist who was as hard on himself as his teammates, he was famous for his hot left arm and mercurial temperament. Whether Newhouser was mowing down enemy hitters or smashing a case of Coke bottles against the clubhouse wall, he was given a wide berth by opponents and teammates alike. Hal began his baseball career as a gangly, wide-eyed teenager and finished as one of the smartest scouts in the game. In between he made a few friends and plenty of enemies, left a lifetime of memories for baseball fans in Detroit, and was part of the Indians’ lights-out bullpen during their historic 1954 campaign. The featured collectible is the one and ONLY example that has been graded NM+ 7.5 by SGC with just one card graded a half grade higher by the Boca Raton based grading organization. Widely considered one of the most difficult cards within the 1948 Leaf issue, Newhouser is part of the famed and exceptionally difficult short printed series. Precisely centered with four corners that could pass the muster for a NM/MT grade. The color and registration is exact which is absurdly rare on cards from this release. The reverse is well printed with no apparent faults to be encountered. A stellar copy of one of the most difficult Hall Of Fame rookie cards to find in high grade!