(LOT 48)
1914 Cracker Jack #37 Grover Alexander Rookie Card PSA 4 VG-EX
OLD PETE ROOKIE!!!... One of the true rookie cards for the immortal Grover Cleveland Alexander is his 1914 Cracker Jack #37 subject, presented here in a stellar PSA 4 holder. It is no secret as to the severe condition sensitivity of the 1914 Cracker Jack thin-stock cards since they were inserted in Cracker Jack boxes and subjected to serious caramel corn stains. Unlike their 1915 Cracker Jack brethren that were also available to the general public in complete set format via mail-in request, the 1914 cards could only be obtained via a box of Rueckheim Bros. & Eckstein's candy corn treats. Indeed, finding '14 Cracker Jack subjects such as this prized Alexander rookie card with relatively stain free surfaces is an excruciating chore, justifying why only three others exist at this highly coveted tier with a mere eight specimens graded higher. One of our National Pastime's greatest all-time pitchers is Grover Cleveland Alexander, and while Walter Johnson was mowing down hitters in the American League, Alexander was matching him with the National League's Philadelphia Phillies.

Alexander won 30 or more games three consecutive seasons (1915-1917) while winning three consecutive NL Pitching Triple Crowns in that span (leading the league in wins, strikeouts & ERA). He ended his spectacular career with 90 shutouts (second only to Walter Johnson's 110), and his 373 wins ties him for the most all-time NL victories with the legendary Christy Mathewson. His eye pleasing pitching pose depicts sensational contrast and clarity, set against a fire-engine red background. Excellent centering only reveals a modest partiality towards the right edge, and incredibly, both surfaces of this particular offering have eluded any noticeable staining and creasing to the naked eye. Even corner wear portrays a super eye pleasing uniformity and is consistent with the assessment, with this classic Old Pete 109-year-old rookie offering arguably his most valuable and desirable issue!
MIN BID $3,000
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