(LOT 236)
1914 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb (SGC VG/EX 4)
Presented here is Ty Cobb's immortal 1914 Cracker Jack #30 specimen in an outstanding SGC VG/EX 4 holder. One of the hobby's most illustrious issues, the unparalleled combination of Ty Cobb's iconic "hands apart" batting image affixed to his hallowed Cracker Jack baseball card has elevated this majestic offering to a pinnacle level amongst elite enthusiasts. In 1914, baseball card collecting was taken to a new level via the ultra-popular thin stock cardboard subjects inserted into boxes of the ultra-popular caramel corn treats. While many distinguished Hall of Famers and stars were included on the extensive laundry list of our National Pastime's early 20th century heroes, none could possibly compare to the immortal reverence of the Tyrus Raymond Cobb #30 subject. Cobb's Cracker Jack issue resides as one of the most coveted cards via his seemingly "timeless" batting image affixed to this sanctified relic. While meticulous enthusiasts relentlessly pursue the finest 1914 Cracker Jack examples of this world-class collectible, due to the significant caramel corn staining on many 1914 specimens, eye pleasing copies are few and far between.

Fortunately, this VG/EX offering has eluded heavy caramel staining, rightfully earning its highly coveted mid-grade assessment via its sparkling aesthetics. Most significant for this issue is the inspirational Ty Cobb batting pose, with his "hands apart" image an imposing "Georgia Peach" trademark sought after by the most sophisticated enthusiasts. You can almost feel the intensity radiating from his stoic expression as Ty prepares to stroke another one of his remarkable 4,189 safeties. It is no secret that Ty Cobb is widely considered one of the finest players who ever graced a baseball diamond. He could hit (his .366 average still reigns supreme), run (he stole 891 bases), throw and field better than any player in the "dead-ball" era, with his most amazing achievement his incomparable run of 12 batting titles in 13 seasons including 9 consecutive titles! None of Cobb's cardboard issues have achieved the unparalleled stature of an eye pleasing 1914 Cracker Jack that has earned it a final resting place in PSA's "Top 250 Sports Card Hobby Guide". His presence on this super eye pleasing memento is awe inspiring to say the least, with the fiery Detroit Tiger's remarkable hitting prowess forever depicted via his sanctified "hands-apart" batting image.

The illustration portrays robust uniform hues, impeccable clarity, fine centering (exhibiting some favoritism towards the left edge), clean borders, minimal staining, and an extremely bold fire-engine red background. No obtrusive flaws are evident on either side, and the corners reveal a visually pleasing uniform wear. Atypical is the lack of any glaring stains (the only notable stain is a faint soiled spot in the lower right quadrant), with most '14 Cracker Jack examples plagued by unsightly staining. For nearly 25 years, Ty Cobb ravaged pitchers with his superior batting skills, substantiating his unquestionable standing as one of baseball's five Hall of Fame 1936 charter members. While many cards of this immortal batsman exhibit desirable images, most would agree it is his Cracker Jack pose that depicts the quintessential Cobb pose transcending us back to the early 20th century when the "Georgia Peach" dominated our National Pastime at a level superior to any of his peers!

MIN BID $7,500
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