(LOT 7)
1908-09 Rose Company Postcard Archibald "Moonlight" Graham PSA Authentic – The Sole Example Listed on the PSA Pop Chart!
RARE MOONLIGHT GRAHAM!!!... One of the most coveted non-Hall of Famer vintage cards is any of the few known legendary issues of Archibald "Moonlight" Graham, who became a cult hero via his significant role in the blockbuster film "Field of Dreams." Iconic to say the least, this captivating movie stole the hearts of millions of baseball enthusiasts, with the revered roles of Shoeless Joe Jackson and Moonlight Graham paving the way for its momentous success. This PSA Authentic 1908-09 Rose Co. Graham postcard just happens to be the SOLE example on the illustrious PSA Pop, with SGC listing a meager three examples. Extremely rare, it is the most sought-after Moonlight Graham issue, effectively turning back the clock to an era when this minor league journeyman painstakingly sought to achieve a single MLB plate appearance. Three years before this museum-worthy card was issued, Graham would make his only MLB appearance, when the NY Giants' 28-year-old rookie replaced George Browne in right field on June 29, 1905 at Brooklyn's Washington Park in the eighth inning.

Sadly for Graham, in the top of the ninth, he would be kneeling in the on-deck circle when Claude Elliot flied out to end the inning, depriving Graham of his only chance at an official MLB plate appearance. Graham would kick around in the minors for roughly nine seasons, four of which were spent with the Class B Scranton Minors of the NYS League. It was with the Scranton club that he would permanently hang up his cleats in 1908, the year his Scranton Minors Rose Co. postcard was first issued. The phenomenon of a Hollywood movie is that it can truly fulfill anyone's fantasy, and in "Field of Dreams", Moonlight would ultimately achieve that sole at-bat in the film's fictitious game played by a host of our National Pastime's bygone stars. Ironically, this classic film was spot-on with regard to "Doc" Graham's medical profession. He received his medical degree from the University of Maryland in 1905, and from 1909-1959, he practiced medicine in Chisholm, Minnesota for some 50 years, the same town actors Kevin Costner and James Earl Jones would catch up with "Doc" Graham (played by Burt Lancaster) in "Field of Dreams."

This non-postmarked offering emanates solid VG-EX aesthetics, with the timeless Moonlight Graham portrait image revealing near-perfect contrast and clarity. Accounting for the Authentic assessment are several areas of re-coloring on the green hued surface (notable areas are along the upper edge, near the upper crossed bats, the lower right corner and by the feet of the batter in the lower right quadrant). While the unmarked verso does reveal significant soiling/toning, it is the coupled extreme paucity level and superb aesthetics that steal the show, superseding its aforementioned technical issues. Via the landmark "Field of Dreams" movie, Graham has literally achieved iconic pop culture stature, justifying why this elusive Moonlight marvel conjures up fond memories of his professional baseball playing days, when he would be embarking on a renowned medical career!

MIN BID $1,000
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