(LOT 504)
1954 Wilson Franks Ted Williams (PSA EX/MT+ 6.5) – "1 of 2" PSA 6.5 Examples
The 1954 Wilson Franks issue including 20 different subjects is widely considered one of the scarcest 1950's type card issues. Since they were packaged in direct contact with frankfurters, many of the surviving examples exhibit unsightly grease stains and other obtrusive surface flaws. Included in this eclectic issue is arguably Ted William's most sought-after post-WW1 card, and it is his spectacular Wilson Franks memento offered here in a PSA EX/MT 6.5 holder. A bona-fide "Pop 2" example, it has only been bested by approximately 15% of the nearly 200 PSA encapsulated specimens. Ted Williams' dream of being baseball's greatest all-time hitter ultimately became a reality for most historians agree that "The Kid" truly stands as the finest hitter to ever grace a batter's box. The "Splendid Splinter" not only handled the bat better than any of his peers, but served two stints as a fighter pilot in World War II and the Korean War, shooting down an incredible 16 enemy aircraft.

In 1954, he returned to MLB for his first full season since the Korean War and did not disappoint the Beantown faithful, batting a stellar .345 and leading the A.L. with 136 R.B.I.'s and a sensational 1.148 OPS. Wilson Franks celebrated his return by placing a classic Williams' batting pose on his exalted subject, with this scarce PSA 6.5 example revealing a "3-D like" illustration of Ted completing his immortal swing. Sparkling hues emanating from his Boston road grays, a bright white background, somewhat square corners, a bold red "TED WILLIAMS" caption and relatively clean surfaces complete this 67-year-old cardboard treasure. A momentous "Thumper" heirloom, it stands as an enduring testament for his iconic baseball stature and wartime heroism, ultimately leading Theodore Samuel Williams to being the true embodiment of a National hero!

MIN BID $5,000
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