This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/20/2013
Graded NM/MT 8 by PSA. The first inspection of this card leaves nearly every enthusiast a gasp, with an emotion that seemingly overtakes each one of us that is attracted to the finer things our selected hobby inspires. A fire engine red background is a more than adequate palate for the steely gray road Washington uniform possessed by the long lithe frame of the featured Hall Of Fame subject, Walter Johnson. At the time of this pasteboard's release Johnson was at the height of his domination that saw him accumulate 417 wins and an astonishing 2.17 career ERA. "On August 2, 1907, I encountered the most threatening sight I ever saw in the ball field. He was a rookie, and we licked our lips as we warmed up for the first game of a doubleheader in Washington. Evidently, manager Pongo Joe Cantillon of the Nats had picked a rube out of the cornfields of the deepest bushes to pitch against us... He was a tall, shambling galoot of about twenty, with arms so long they hung far out of his sleeves, and with a sidearm delivery that looked unimpressive at first glance... One of the Tigers imitated a cow mooing, and we hollered at Cantillon: 'Get the pitchfork ready, Joe-- your hayseed's on his way back to the barn.' ...The first time I faced him, I watched him take that easy windup. And then something went past me that made me flinch. The thing just hissed with danger. We couldn't touch him... every one of us knew we'd met the most powerful arm ever turned loose in a ball park."- Ty Cobb. The thinly constructed Cracker Jack ephemera is absolutely centered to perfection and offers its purveyor a look into what is so fantastic about the collection of our heroes on the medium we have all selected. Each of the corners seemingly stands at attention as if demanding our respect for their job well done on this keepsakes nearly 100 year excursion through time. The color is a pleasing combination of hues, highlighted by the aforementioned red as well as the sublime green of the infield and the supreme application of shading. The surface is void of interruption but should be lauded for its creamy opaque nature assuring onlookers of its completely natural presentation. The reverse is a dark boldly blacked bio that rests upon the creamy stock nearly matching the exploits of the obverse. A stunning and altogether impressive offering made in a strict and prideful NM/MT tone.