This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/6/2021
Though he found his way to the major leagues only at the very twilight of his career, Hall of Famer Satchel Paige is considered to be one of the greatest and most flamboyant pitchers in baseball history. As a youngster, Paige gained fame when pitching for a semi-pro team called the "Down The Bay Boys" when after working himself into a jam and frustrated by his performance, he instructed the outfielders to come into the infield, and then he retired the final two batters of the game! When Bowman expanded their set from 48 cards in the inaugural issue to 240 cards in 1949, included in the set was Paige, reported to be 42 years old at the time though most historians thought he was older. The set is dominated by significant rookie cards (Snider, Campanella, Hodges, Ashburn, and others) but the Paige card trails only Jackie Robinson in popularity. The offered specimen is a shining example that boasts near-perfect centering with spot-on registration of the image. The teal colored background lends a gentle cool feel, a perfect backdrop for the always cool "Satch." The four corners are right in line with the seldom assessed NM/MT grade while the reverse is exceptionally well-printed and void of any flaws. Had baseball integration happened decades earlier, it's a safe bet that Satchel Paige's name would be mentioned in the same sentence as other baseball immortals. A truly advanced vintage collector should appreciate the significance of this card and make a serious run at it!