(LOT 50)
1948 Leaf #4 Stan Musial Rookie Card PSA 8 NM-MT – Only 3 PSA Examples Graded Higher!
Legendary Hall of Famer Stan "The Man" Musial's uncanny hitting prowess continues to be arguably underrated; however, thru the eyes of the hobby's most meticulous enthusiasts, this incredible PSA 8 NM-MT 1948 Leaf rookie card stands tall as one of his most remarkable cardboard keepsakes. Of the nearly 1,100 PSA encapsulated examples, only three meager specimens have been graded higher, justifying the extreme condition sensitivity of the 1948 Leaf issue.

Indeed, due to poor factory printing standards, a myriad of 1948 Leaf subjects portray sub-standard registration, off-centered images, black print lines and/or surface blemishes resulting in extremely poor eye appeal. No wonder this grand Musial rookie card resides as the perfect testament to "Stan the Man's" nearly unparalleled batting skills that were only matched by the iconic Red Sox slugger Ted Williams for nearly two decades. The card's incomparable technical attributes are synonymous with Musial's legendary playing career that depict an infinite list of superlatives including a .331 lifetime average, 3,630 hits, 475 home runs, nearly 2,000 RBIs, seven batting titles, three MVPs and an amazing 24 All-Star game appearances! Based on these esteemed statistical highlights, it is mind boggling as to why his name doesn't stand next to Ruth, Cobb, Williams, Aaron, Mays, Mantle, etc. Fortunately, his playing excellence hasn't eluded passionate hobbyists who actively seek his most precious cardboard gems, with only a handful possibly surpassing the sheer excellence of this rookie card gem.

Stan "The Man's" classic batting pose reveals atypical superior registration as Musial completes his classic left-handed swing that led to so many scalding line-drive safeties. His period style Cardinals cap and legendary #6 jersey emanate rich hues, and the right-angled corners are extremely sharp. The only negative aspects are the "side to side" centering that favors the left edge (somewhat offset by fine "top to bottom" positioning), and a factory issued diminutive white print defect near his cap. Dazzling white borders and clean surfaces are the final exclamation points for this high-grade Musial inaugural memento that similar to his uncanny batting skills, merits esteemed affection from any advanced collector!
MIN BID $7,500
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