This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/15/2014
Alexander's performance in 1911 is arguably the greatest season by a rookie pitcher in the twentieth century- 28-13 with a 2.57 ERA. Twenty-eight wins led the league and remain the twentieth-century record for rookies. One of his biggest wins came in Boston against Cy Young in September, a one-hit 1-0 shutout. His 227 strikeouts, good for second in the league, stood as the record for rookies until Herb Score gunned down 245 for the Indians in 1955. He also led the league in complete games with 31, innings pitched with 367, and shutouts with 7. One of the most appealing baseball issues of the early 20th Century, S81 silks were offered in exchange for 25 Helmar cigarette coupons, making this a premium more difficult than L1 Leather and T3 Cabinet cards.The featured collectible hails as the single nicest Alexander silk we have ever had the pleasure of offering with small wisps of thread apparent at the top and bottom which is most likely the way the stunner was issued. As well there are several nearly inconspicuous stains near the top left and a faint fold line in the same area which certainly don't interfere with the NM appearance of this classic item!