(LOT 450)
1949 Bowman #224 Satchell Paige Rookie PSA 7 NM
OLD SATCH!!! Hall of Famer Satchel Paige is the most celebrated Negro Leagues player in their illustrious history, even outdistancing the revered Josh Gibson in overall popularity. Born Leroy Robert Page on July 7, 1906 (allegedly that is!), Page changed the spelling of his name to "Paige" in the mid 1920's. His friends nicknamed him "Satchel" because in an early job whereby he was paid for each carried suitcase, he ingeniously rigged a pole to carry additional suitcases at the Mobile train station. His four-decade professional pitching stint commenced in 1926 with the Chattanooga White Sox of the Negro Southern League and ended 40 years later with the Peninsula Grays of the Carolina League at the age of 60!

After finally reaching the majors in 1948 with the Cleveland Indians, he became the oldest rookie ever at the age of 42. Paige's timeless portrait image bears the finest imaginable contrast and resolution, set against a seemingly pristine cool green background. Virtually near-perfect centering, four super clean off-white borders, and pinpoint corners complete an outstanding frame, and both surfaces have eluded any glaring blemishes. In closing, this supreme Satchel Paige 1949 Bowman rookie card is synonymous with Paige's nearly unparalleled pitching stature; meriting the utmost attention from any advanced collector via its "pack-fresh" aesthetics!

MIN BID $7,500
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