This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2010
Another fan-favorite issue from the classic 1952 Topps high-number series is the rookie issue of kid-faced pioneer Brooklyn relief twirler, Clem Labine, offered here in noticeably high-end NM/MT 8 condition from PSA. Placing third in the 1951 NL ROY vote that of course went to Willie Mays, Labine tabbed a 5-1 record in 1951 and shut out the Giants in Game 2 of the famous '51 NL pennant playoff. According to reports, manager Chuck Dressen wanted to call on the kid from Woonsockett, RI, in the 9th inning of Game 3, but he didn't have control of his curveball, and so Dressen called on Ralph Branca instead, and the rest, as we so love to hear, is history, heard round the world. Labine would later redeem himself in Brooklyn's 1955 World Championship season, however, appearing in an MLB-leading 60 games and recording an amazing 10 relief victories. He would become an All-Star the following two years but then slowly decline until retiring with the Mets in 1962, but his legacy will forever shine in Brooklyn Dodger lore. Stalwart NM/MT to NM/MT+ corners join marginally superior NM/MT+ to MINT edges around a striking MINT image that gently favors the bottom border from a horizontal perspective.