(LOT 135)
1933 Sport Kings Babe Didrickson #45 (PSA NM/MT+ 8.5)
BABE!!!... Rare for the grade, this remarkable PSA NM/MT+ 8.5 Babe Didrickson offering has only been joined by 2 other examples at this stratospheric tier with a paltry 4 specimens graded higher! Widely considered one of the greatest female athletes of all-time, it comes as little surprise that the Goudey Company chose "Babe" Didrickson as one of the 48-subjects for their prestigious Sport Kings compilation with this incredible sports icon excelling in basketball, track & field, and golf. Only a year after playing a pivotal role in her basketball team capturing the 1931 Amateur Athletic Union championship, Didrickson claimed two gold medals and a silver medal in the 1932 Olympics, with her gold medals relating to record setting performances in the 80-meter hurdles (11.7 seconds) and Javelin toss (43.69 meters)!

After the Olympics, Didrickson moved onto golf, where she claimed 10 LPGA Major Championships; and was voted the Associate Press Female Athlete of the Year in 1932, '45, '46, '47, '50 and '54. Her portrayal on this 1933 Sport Kings gem is absolutely spectacular, with her richly hued Olympic-like hurdling pose set against a brilliant orange/red toned background. The colors are so robust and crystal clear, it almost appears as if Didrickson is jumping right off the card, portraying a near-3D-like effect. Near-perfect centering, blistering sharp corners and flawless-like surfaces are the final superlatives justifying the superior assessment, with only a handle of the 180+ PSA encapsulated specimens possibly reflecting the "jaw-dropping" eye appeal of this museum worthy masterpiece.

Folklore says that Didrickson obtained her immortal "Babe" nickname when she slugged 5 home runs in a childhood baseball game, emulating the legendary Babe Ruth's majestic long-ball power. While this myth may never achieve full resolution, what we do know with 100% certainty is only a handful of her Sport Kings cards have managed to best this miraculous keepsake that is virtually impossible to find at the lofty NM/MT+ 8 assessment!

MIN BID $1,750
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