(LOT 111)
T206 Rube Waddell "Portrait" - Piedmont 150 Subjects/Factory 25 (PSA NM/MT 8) - "1 of 2" Piedmonts; Only One Piedmont Graded Higher!
One of the most underrated pitchers in baseball history is undoubtedly the "flaky" left-handed Cooperstown inductee Rube Waddell, and presented here is, arguably, one of his finest-preserved cardboard gems. This seldom surfacing PSA 8 T206 Piedmont portrait pose representation of the fire-balling southpaw just happens to be bested by only a SOLE other Piedmont specimen! Legendary Hall of Fame southpaw Rube Waddell still holds the American league record for strikeouts by a left hander, whiffing 349 batters in 1904.

Unfortunately, due to his crazy on and off the field habits including chasing fire engines and doing cartwheels on the mound, the sensational left-hander never accumulated the lifetime statistics he was capable of achieving. After spending several years in the minor leagues, Waddell tragically died in 1914 due to the ill effects of tuberculosis; obtained by helping Kentucky flood victims after standing for hours in icy water to place sandbags on a river embankment. For all of the above reasons, collectors are significantly attracted to Waddell's legacy, actively seeking his most desirable collectibles with virtually no cardboard keepsake possibly measuring up against this magnificent offering.

Waddell's classic Carl Horner portrait pose depicts the finest contrast and clarity, with his hallowed image emanating a fine array of brown, gray and facial hues. A near-flawless blue background, near-perfect centering and dazzling white borders complete a magnificent front side that includes a blistering harp perimeter and precision right-angled corners. Throughout its 100+ year travels, this unbelievable Waddell cardboard memento has somehow managed to sustain virtually all of its original print characteristics, with this "world class" gem destined to reside in one of the hobby's finest T206 gatherings!

MIN BID $2,500