(LOT 69)
1948 Leaf #8 Satchel Paige Rookie PSA 4.5 VG-EX+
SATCHEL ROOKIE!!! Satchel Paige is, without a doubt, one of the most important players ever to step on the diamond. He is definitely the most celebrated pitcher ever to come out of the Negro Leagues. There are countless stories about all facets of his career, from his unbelievable strikeout exploits to the mystery surrounding his true age. Paige started his storied career in the mid 1920's with the Mobile Tigers. Though the records are incomplete, it is estimated that he was winning up to 60 games a year and achieving double-digit strikeouts in nearly every one of them.

He would later team up with Josh Gibson on the Pittsburgh Crawfords to form possibly the finest one-team hitter/pitcher combo in the history of baseball. In addition to playing with several different Negro League teams, Paige also pitched for an amazing number of barnstorming All-Star teams, including one that bore his name. It was during these All-Star contests that other big leaguers were able to see him play.

Bob Feller commented that Paige was the best pitcher that he ever saw, himself included. The yellow and red colors highlighted in the offered 1948 Leaf Paige image explode the card. With nice edging and good corners, this card would compliment any 1948 Leaf collection. Even in his glory days, "Old Satchel" never looked better on this new to the hobby 4.5 PSA specimen!

MIN BID $5,000

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