(LOT 53)
1941 Play Ball #71 Joe DiMaggio SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5
DIMAGGIO!!!... "Joltin Joe DiMaggio, we want you on our side"….there isn't a single person, whether a baseball fanatic or non-sports individual, that hasn't heard these song lyrics nor understand the significance of Joseph Paul DiMaggio's place in American history. A super hero with icon status, Joe DiMaggio's renowned stature was only surpassed by the likes of Babe Ruth, and his amazing 56 game hitting streak in 1941 remains as one of our National pastime's most illustrious records. Coincidently, the Joe DiMaggio 1941 Play Ball card presented here was issued during that remarkable 1941 season, likewise depicting Hall of Fame qualities worthy of a place in Cooperstown, New York. Graded an outstanding SGC 92/8.5, one look at this cardboard masterpiece makes you wonder the qualities required to achieve mint status. To date, of the nearly 250 SGC graded examples, only a single other specimen has managed to achieve this unfathomable assessment with NONE graded higher.

Indeed, this world-class masterpiece currently shares the spotlight with a sole specimen as the finest SGC encapsulated copy! The classic DiMaggio batting swing image is un-improvable set against a deep violet and two-tone green background. The hallowed illustration is extremely well centered between four dazzling white borders, centering, with only a negligible hint of favoritism towards the upper/left edges. The perimeter is razor sharp including four pinpoint corners, and the brilliantly clean surfaces reflect no blemishes. Providing the final piece to the puzzle is a stellar back of the card with fine print registration set against a clean background. Bottom line is this miraculous offering resides as one of the pinnacle Joe DiMaggio 1941 Play Ball cards extant, with PSA's illustrious "pop" chart listing NONE at this hallowed tier and a meager 6 higher graded examples.

To reiterate, we cannot over emphasize the significance of "Joltin Joe's" place not only in baseball history, but as an American hero. 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, if you covet DiMaggio's most prestigious artifacts, the time is now to "step up to the plate" and add his finest SGC 1941 Play Ball subject to your prized collection!

MIN BID $4,000