(LOT 30)
1948 Bowman #4 Johnny Mize Rookie PSA 10 GEM MINT - POP 2!
BIG CAT ROOKIE!!! Extraordinary to say the least, this rare for the grade 1948 Bowman Johnny Mize Rookie just happens to have achieved the virtually impossible PSA 10 GEM MINT grade. Joining only a single other example at this hallowed plateau, it shares the spotlight as the finest specimen of its kind! The Big Cat (Mize's popular nickname) is one of the most underrated Hall of Fame power hitters in baseball history. The left-handed swinging slugger still holds the MLB record by swatting three home runs in a game an incredible six times, and just happened to slug two home runs in a game 30 times. He ended his career with 359 home runs and only struck out 524 times, a remarkable ratio for any power hitter.

His MLB career commenced with the Cardinals in 1936, and he finished his outstanding career with the Yankees as a part-time first baseman and pinch hitter. Four times he either led or tied for the league lead in home runs, including a staggering 51 round trippers in 1947 and 40 dingers in 1948. Likewise, this jaw-dropping offering deserves an award for top of the charts cardboard stature. Mize's awe-inspiring portrait image projects as well as when it was first removed from a wax pack nearly 75 years ago. Crystal clear focus and perfect contrast highlight this immaculate card with the entire image featuring nearly dead-on 50/50 centering between four ultra-clean borders. Both sides reveal pristine surfaces, the scintillating corner tips are virtually flawless and the reverse side typography is flawless. This same example fetched a staggering $56K in a 2022 Memory Lane Auction, more than justified by its POP 2; 10 GEM MINT assessment!

MIN BID $15,000

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