(LOT 69)
1959 Topps #163 Sandy Koufax PSA 9 MINT
KOUFAX BLAZER!!!... This PSA 9 MINT 1959 Topps pack-fresh Koufax memento resides as one of his best-preserved cards, with only 0.36% of the 4,700+ PSA encapsulated copies featuring this world-class assessment that just happens to be the finest of its kind on any population report! By 1959, the future HOF flamethrowing southpaw was still struggling to find the strike zone, walking 92 batters in only 153 innings. Fortunately, Sandy would show glimpses of domination, with his 173 strikeouts equating to 10.2 Ks per nine innings, achieved by his riding fastball and nose-to-toes curve. Manager Walt Alston's steadfast patience finally paid huge dividends in 1961, with Sandy winning 18 games and eventually moving on to become one of the greatest peak value pitchers the game has ever seen.

Indeed, from the early to mid-1960s, he dominated MLB hitters as no other pitcher ever has, to the tune of three Cy Young Awards, four no-hitters (including one perfect game), three seasons with 25 or more wins, microscopic ERAs less than 2.00, and a southpaw record 382 strikeouts in a single season. An awe-inspiring candid Koufax smile steals the show, highlighted by atypical near-perfect centering between four dazzling white borders and a radiant backdrop tantamount to any yellow sun. Immaculate surfaces, crystal-clear clarity and unimprovable contrast are the final exclamation points supporting this cardboard blazer's best of the best grade, which is tantamount to Koufax's unparalleled standing as one of our National Pastime's pinnacle all-time hurlers!

MIN BID $5,000
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