This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2010
Graded NM/MT 8 by PSA. Featured is the rookie card of Hall Of Famer Hoyt Wilhelm which just happens to have been included in the famed high number series of Topps inaugural 1952 release. The high point of Wilhelm’s career came at a time when his role as a pitcher was in flux. During his first six years in the majors, Wilhelm appeared in 361 games, all in relief. But in 1958, Cleveland manager Bobby Bragan used him occasionally as a starter, and Wilhelm continued in that dual role after a mid-season trade to Baltimore. On September 20, sporting a 2-10 won-lost record, he made his first start against the New York Yankees, who had already clinched the American League pennant. The opposing pitcher was Don Larsen, who two years earlier had thrown a perfect game in the World Series. On this drizzly afternoon, Wilhelm fashioned his own gem, striking out eight and throwing the only no-hitter of his career against the soon-to-be World Series champions. The next time the Yankees were no-hit was on June 11, 2003 by six pitchers of the Houston Astros.
On August 6, 1959, Wilhelm nearly pitched a rare "no-hitter in relief." Relieving Billy O'Dell at the start of the ninth inning, Wilhelm held the White Sox hitless for 8? innings before finally surrendering a hit in the 17th. The featured card stands up to the opined grade with an impeccably well centered image as well as pure white borders that frame a colorful rendition of the HOFer at the beginning of his career. Each of the corners passes the NM?MT 8 PSA test with the upper right appearing just a "hint" soft in comparison to the others. A stellar card offered in NM/MT condition.