This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2023
Whether it was a show of respect or just blind luck, card #1 of the 1951 Bowman series didn't go to the iconic rookie cards of Mickey Mantle or Willie Mays, but was granted to another rookie from New York who would go on to enjoy a Hall of Fame career, Whitey Ford. "The Chairman of the Board" didn't even play in 1951, missing the entire year and all of the 1952 season to military service, but his 9-1 record and 2.81 ERA in 1950 made him a worthy choice to lead off the set. The featured set-starter has earned an impressive PSA 8 grade, very nicely centered on the canvas with bold, fresh color and accurate registration that you just don't see until to get up to this lofty grade level, and even then, it's not this sharp for many examples at this grade level. The staunch endpoints enjoy NM/MT status and the reverse offers a pleasing presentation with no significant liabilities. If you're building a world-class 1951 Bowman assemblage, here's the optimal way to get the collection started!