(LOT 305)
c.1951 Satchel Paige PSA Type I Encapsulated William Jacobellis Contact Proof Photo – Measures Approx. 4" x 5"
This sensational PSA Type 1 photo of the immortal Satchel Paige pictures him in his Cleveland Indians period style flannels during the 1951 campaign as Satchel portrays his classic pitching form. Taken by the esteemed photographer William Jacobellis, this approximate 4" x 5" contact proof offering depicts remarkable clarity and contrast and is a sheer testament for Satchel's unparalleled legacy. No glaring flaws are evident and the verso includes the significantly bold WILLIAM N. JACOBELLIS credit stamp. Hall of Famer Satchel Paige is the most celebrated Negro Leagues player in their illustrious history, even outdistancing the revered Josh Gibson in popularity. Born Leroy Robert Page on July 7, 1906 (allegedly that is), Page changed the spelling of his name to "Paige" in the mid 1920's.

His friends nicknamed him "Satchel" because in an early job whereby he was paid for each carried suitcase, he cleverly rigged a pole to carry additional suitcases at the Mobile train station. His four-decade professional pitching stint commenced in 1926 with the Chattanooga White Sox of the Negro Southern League and ended 40 years later with the Peninsula Grays of the Carolina League at the age of 60! After finally reaching the majors in 1948 with the Cleveland Indians, he became the oldest rookie ever at the age of 42. After 6 seasons with the Indians and St. Louis Browns, he continued to barnstorm and pitch professionally until he was called up by the Kansas City A's in 1965 at the incredible age of 59, pitching 3 scoreless innings in his final Major League appearance. His uncanny success was attributed to a vast assortment of pitches, tantalizing arm angles, and speeds that ultimately led to his undisputed greatness, substantiating why collectors seek any of his seldom surfacing mementos!

MIN BID $300
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