(LOT 221)
1939 Play Ball (R334) #26 Joe DiMaggio PSA 8 NM-MT
Along with Babe Ruth, no baseball player could possibly surpass the popularity and admiration bestowed upon the legendary "Yankee Clipper", Joe DiMaggio. Throughout his playing days and post-retirement years, "Joltin'" Joe's overall persona was perceived with unequivocal respect, as he represented the ultimate embodiment of a National hero. One of DiMaggio's most sought-after cardboard relics is his 1939 Play Ball #26 subject, presented here in an outstanding PSA 8 NM-MT holder. PSA's illustrious "Pop" Chart indicates that of the nearly 1,500 encapsulated copies, only 14 other examples have managed to achieve a higher assessment! Most significantly, the card's dominant highlight is the fine centering that only slightly favors the upper right edges, for it is no secret that a majority of the 1939 Play Ball DiMaggio subjects exhibit skewed images.

The remaining aesthetics are likewise breathtaking and consistent with most pack-fresh cards, starting with the imposing DiMaggio portrait pose that emanates crystal clear clarity, fine contrast and as previously stated, an extremely well positioned image. Pinpoint corners have retained nearly all of their original right-angled formations, and the clean surfaces have stubbornly defied father-time over the past 83 years. Atypically, the verso does not reveal any glaring blemishes, the final compliment for a card that has been bested by only 0.9% of the total PSA encapsulated copies. Issued during the season the Yankee Clipper would lead the Bronx Bombers to their fourth consecutive world championship, this PSA 8 world-class memento effectively "turns back the clock" to an era when the immortal DiMaggio was establishing himself as baseball's premier superstar!

MIN BID $4,000