This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/15/2017
"I use my single windup, my double windup, my triple windup, my hesitation windup, my no windup. I also use my step-n-pitch-it, my submariner, my sidearmer and my bat dodger. Man's got to do what he's got to do." Satchel Paige. Joe DiMaggio called Satchel Paige "the best and fastest pitcher I've ever faced". His pitching was amazing and his showboating was legendary. His career highlights span five decades. Pronounced the greatest pitcher in the history of the Negro Leagues, Paige compiled such feats as 64 consecutive scoreless innings, a stretch of 21 straight wins, and a 31-4 record in 1933. For 22 years, Paige mauled the competition in front of sellout crowds. Sure, he liked the attention, but to him, there was only one goal. That goal would be to pitch in the Major Leagues. In 1948, Paige's dream came true. The Cleveland Indians were in need of extra pitching for the pennant race. Legendary Bill Veeck tested Paige's accuracy before offering him a big league contract. As the story is told, Veeck placed a cigarette on the ground to be used as a home plate. Paige took aim at his virtually nonexistent target. He fired five fastballs, all but one sailing directly over the cigarette. Veeck was indeed pleased, and Paige helped the Indians win the pennant. Offered is a stunning and altogether superior example of what many including myself consider to be the toughest post war card to find in higher grade. A perusal of the combined SGC and PSA Population Reports reveal that a mere 184 total copies of this card have ever been graded in any grade by the two top grading services, while a card like the immensely popular 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle has been graded 1758 times, which is nearly ten times more than the featured collectible. In our March 2017 auction we had a 1948 Leaf Paige card in a PSA 7 sell for over $105,000, and I can undeniably tell you the offered card is superior to that card in many ways. Nearly perfectly centered with pure white borders that define the interior color from the boarders perfectly. Each of the four corners remain near perfectly formed and easily surpass the EX/MT grade. The color and registration are above reproach and are far superior to the norm in regards to what is usually encountered within the 1948 Leaf release. The reverse is exceptionally well printed with no imperfections which can often be encountered on this difficult issue. A tremendous rookie card offered in stunning and exceptional EX/NM or better condition.