(LOT 39)
"Unique for the Grade" Ed Walsh 1912 S81 Helmar Silk (SGC NM 7) – The Only Encapsulated/Graded Example!
Most enthusiasts would think that the lowest lifetime E.R.A. belongs to the likes of either Christy Mathewson, Walter Johnson, Cy Young or Grover Alexander, yet few people realize that Hall of Famer Ed Walsh is the owner of that distinguished record via his microscopic-like 1.82 figure! Indeed, "Big Ed" Walsh stands heads above all his peers with regard to yielding the least runs per nine innings pitched, accumulating that absolutely incredible mark over his magnificent 14-year career (13 of which were spent with the Chicago White Sox). Aside from his pinnacle 1.82 lifetime E.R.A., Walsh certainly didn't stop there with regard to his pitching superiority for along with Jack Chesbro, he is one of only two pitchers who ever achieved 40 wins in a single season. That celebrated feat was achieved in 1908 when Walsh also posted a spectacular 1.42 E.R.A. and modern-day record 464 innings pitched, with that campaign possibly standing as our National Pastime's greatest single-season pitching performance.

Utilizing a legalized spitball (at the time), in 1906 he led the White Sox to the 1906 World Championship over the mighty Chicago Cubs, besting the Cubbies in two games during that momentous Fall Classic. Unfortunately for "Big Ed", his career was somewhat shortened by the grueling number of innings he logged every season. From 1907 thru 1912, he averaged an amazing 375 innings pitched per season, with this workload eventually taking its toll on Walsh's seemingly rubber arm. It was that 1912 campaign that one of the spitball artist's rarest collectibles was issued, an extremely scarce 1912 Helmar Tobacco Co. S81 Silk reflecting the exact image affixed to his 1911 T3 Turkey Red Cabinet. Seldom surfacing for the taking, this miraculous SGC NM 7 S81 Ed Walsh Silk just happens to reside as the SOLE encapsulated specimen in existence. Miraculously, not a single other "Big Ed" silk has found its way into a professional grading service holder, substantiating this offering's world-class stature.

Measure approximately 6-3/4" x 8-3/4", Walsh's breathtaking pose reveals the burley right-handed twirler in a classic pitching pose as he dons his period-style midnight blue Chicago uniform and cap. Stubbornly defying "father-time" the striking blue hues appear as if they were printed only yesterday, with the sparkling image depicting impeccable clarity. The legendary Walsh pose is well positioned between the silk's borders, both sides reveal snow-white surfaces, and only some negligible scattered threads are evident along the upper and lower edges. "Big Ed" Walsh spent virtually his entire career baffling hitters with his vast array of tantalizing pitches, ultimately leading to his finest all-time 1.82 lifetime E.R.A. that is synonymous with this pinnacle "SGC NM 7" silk gem!

MIN BID $1,000
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