This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/22/2010
Offered is an exceptional example of Al Lopez's 1934-36 Diamond Stars issue that has somehow miraculously survived the last seven and a half decades in like-new MINT condition, as assessed by the pre-war specialists at SGC. Over 19 seasons as a backstop in the bigs, Lopez amassed an effective .261 batting average. It wasn't until the '50s and '60s, however, that he'd establish his Hall-worthy fame, leading the White Sox to the pennant in 1959, the only single time from '49 to '64 that the rival powerhouse Yankees would let that happen. Chicago wouldn't win another pennant until 2005, also winning the World Series--for the first time in 88 years. Four days later, at the age of 97, Lopez passed away, the last living big leaguer to play in the 1920s. He is remembered as the 4th winningest manager among those with at least 2000 games, behind just McCarthy, Selee, and McGraw. Curious how this card survived the last 75 years in such immaculate condition? Easy. It hails from the renowned Lionel Carter Collection! Perfectly centered with MINT corners and edges around a colorful MINT obverse dominated by a brilliant art-deco design and a perfectly printed back. Graded SGC 96 MINT 9.