(LOT 40)
Joe DiMaggio 1936 National Chicle Fine Pen Rookie Card – "DiMaggio Slams It" (PSA NM/MT 8) - "1 of 1; Only 1 Graded Higher!
"Joltin Joe Dimaggio…we want you on our side!" Virtually every hobby enthusiast has heard these song lyrics and truly understands the significance of Joseph Paul DiMaggio's place in American history. DiMaggio was a super hero with icon status that places him among the foremost players to ever grace a baseball diamond. His 56-game hitting streak in 1941 just may be baseball's greatest record, such to the point that a song was written about Joe that same season personifying everything he meant to the game. Whether it is his hitting streak, MVPs, World Championships or marriage to the legendary Marilyn Monroe, "Joe D" has always and will forever be not only a baseball immortal but, more significantly, the true embodiment of a National Hero!

This is why collectors actively seek his most prized artifacts and what could be more appealing than a card that was issued during his 1936 rookie season which is the case for the absolutely remarkable National Chicle Fine Pen "DiMaggio Slams It" card offered here in a PSA 8 holder. Currently, no other "NM-MT 8" exists on the illustrious PSA's population reports with only a sole example graded higher! It should be noted that the 1933 – '36 DiMaggio Zeenuts has been, in some instances, erroneously referred to as the DiMaggio rookie card. This is absolutely misleading and NOT the case. While certainly "Joe D's" FIRST issue ever, a TRUE rookie card is the first issue of a player in a MAJOR LEAGUE uniform.

The 1933 DiMaggio Zeenut depicts him in his San Francisco Seals minor league uniform, not the Yankee uniform portrayed on this magnificent PSA 8 offering. Simply stated, a "true" rookie card must present the player in his first major league uniform (we can use, as an analogy, Roger Clemens. His rookie card is, undoubtedly, the 1984 Fleer Update, not his previously issued Boston Red Sox Pawtucket minor league card). While the Canadian "World Wide Gum" issue was also released in 1936 and is regarded as DiMaggio's bona-fide inaugural issue, this magnificent DiMaggio offering can easily stake a claim as an additional rookie card of the immortal "Yankee Clipper". What makes this postcard sized gem so desirable and eclectic is the rare #18 situated on the back of DiMaggio's jersey which he utilized in this 1936 Spring Training game with the New York Yankees playing the Cincinnati Reds.

Catcher Hank Erickson played only a single season as an official Major Leaguer, batting only 88 times in his 1935 season with Cincinnati, but fortunately for Erickson, his name will forever be remembered as the catcher included on one of DiMaggio's rookie cards. The 1936 season would mark the unprecedented emergence of the immortal Joe DiMaggio, and the Yankee rookie would not disappoint, clouting 29 round trippers and knocking in 125 runs while leading the Bronx Bombers to their first World Championship in four years. "Joltin Joe" would continue his batting and fielding exploits for the next three seasons, teaming up with Lou Gehrig to lead the Yankees to four consecutive World Championships.

Regarding its breathtaking aesthetics, a classic "Joltin Joe" swing is portrayed with pristine contrast and crystal-clear clarity, with the relatively well-centered image modestly favoring the lower edge. Razor sharp corners and edging provide a pack-fresh perimeter, the borders are dazzling white and the blank back is virtually flawless. To reiterate, we cannot over emphasize the significance of "Joltin Joe's" place not only in baseball history, but as an American hero. Daunting to say for a baseball player, he takes a place next to legendary Americans such as Abe Lincoln, Davey Crockett, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and, coincidently Marilyn Monroe. It is no surprise that in 1969, DiMaggio was voted as the greatest living ballplayer, earning this nod over the likes of Willie Mays, Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle, etc. With that in mind, isn't it time to "step up to the plate" and add one of his inaugural 1936 cards to your collection that just happens to be one of the most miraculous 1936 DiMaggio National Chicle Fine Pens on the planet!

MIN BID $1,750
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