(LOT 102)
1957 Roger Maris Sohio Gas Inaugural/Rookie Card (PSA 8) – "1 of 2; The Highest Graded Copy on PSA & SGC's "Pop" Charts!
Although most hobbyists consider the mainstream 1958 Topps Roger Maris subject his standard rookie card, his 'true" inaugural Major League issue is the extremely obscure 1957 Sohio Gas Cleveland Indians photo card issued by the Standard Oil of Ohio gas stations. Measuring approximately 5" x 7", Sohio Gas photo-cards or team packs were distributed for players from the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds, and included black & white images of Ohio's favorite ballplayers. Rarely is the 1957 Roger Maris Sohio Gas issue mentioned as his rookie card, but in reality, it is indeed his initial card depicting the slugging outfielder in a Major League uniform. With that in mind, presented here is one of the two finest 1957 Sohio Gas Maris cards in existence, a breathtaking PSA 8 offering that along with a single other PSA 8 specimen, resides as the highest graded specimen extant!

Although the legendary Roger Maris has yet to enter Cooperstown's doors, his mighty left-handed bat and rifle-like throwing arm assisted him in being one of only a handful of outfielders to ever win consecutive MVP awards (along with Mickey Mantle, Dale Murphy and Barry Bonds). Yet, for all of his "on the field" achievements, his iconic status will forever be linked to the "summer of '61" when he went "blow for blow" with teammate Mickey Mantle in pursuit of Babe Ruth's legendary 60 homer mark. Up to that point in baseball history, no two players had ever captivated a nation more than Mantle and Maris, going neck and neck down the wire synonymous to two thoroughbreds fighting it out in "photo-finish" stretch run. Their home run dual is one of baseball's greatest mementos, with Maris eventually eclipsing the "Babe's" mark on the final day of the regular season.

It was only four years earlier that the renowned Sohio Gas Company released this inaugural Maris Cleveland Indians heirloom that has miraculously retained virtually all of its original factory issued pristine attributes. The classic black & white Maris batting image is nearly flawless, portraying the rookie slugger in a seemingly flawless state via its near-perfect contrast and crystal clear clarity. Pinpoint corners, no obtrusive surface blemishes and a relatively clean blank back complete this 59-year-old oversized masterpiece that has defiantly withstood the test of time. If you are an advanced rookie card collector, you simply cannot ignore this "true" 1957 Roger Maris rookie issue that resides not only as his un-mistakable inaugural Major League card but along with a sole other PSA copy, stands as the finest of its kind on BOTH the PSA and SGC "pop" charts!

MIN BID $300

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