This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2017
Graded EX 5 by SGC. A look at the SGC Population Report reveals that of the 50 copies of this card that have been evaluated the offered example is 1 of just 3 copies that has been graded EX 5 with just 3 examples that have been graded higher. Adopting an aggressive, take-no-prisoners style of play which mirrored his fiery temperament and abrasive personality, Cobb dominated the game in the batter's box and on the base paths. At the plate, the 6'1", 175-pound left-handed swinger often gripped the bat with his hands several inches apart, but usually brought them back together during his swing. A powerful hitter, Cobb led the league in slugging percentage eight times, and paced the circuit in doubles three times and triples four times. Yet he was also a scientific hitter who liked to beat out bunts and infield grounders for base hits. After 1920, Cobb became a passionate defender of the Deadball Era-style of play, derisively mocking the "swing crazy" batters of the modern game who had neglected the inside strategies mastered by the Georgia Peach. The 1907 season marked Cobb's arrival as a superstar. The Georgian led the league in hits, RBI, and batting average, carrying the Tigers to their first American League pennant. He and the team repeated the performance the next two seasons, and Cobb added his only home run title in 1909 to take the Triple Crown. He also led the league in stolen bases in 1907 and 1909. The Tigers lost all three World Series, the first two to the powerful Chicago Cubs, and the last one in a seven game thriller to the Pittsburgh Pirates. In the 17 Series games, Cobb had an undistinguished .262 batting average with 9 RBI and four stolen bases. These were the only three World Series in which the Georgian would appear. Offered is a card that is generally thought to be Cobb's rookie appearance on cardboard, the featured collectible offers a spectacularly well-centered central image as well as color that illuminates in tones of yellow and a sullen gray giving the young Cobb an angelic appearance. Each of the four corners show mild corner wear with the most advanced appearance at the upper right endpoint. The reverse is a splendid stain-free appearance befitting of the grade.