(LOT 1835)
Rare Satchel Paige Endorsed - Cancelled Check 11-18-1968 PSA Encapsulated Authentic
Looking back, it is unfortunate that, due to segregation, only a small portion of fans were able to see the great Satchel Paige in action. By the time he joined the Cleveland Indians in 1948, he was well past his prime at 41. But Paige did achieve the ultimate prize as he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971 based on his tenure as one of the greats to ever stand on the mound. Technically, he was inducted only five years after his final professional game in 1966 only two weeks shy of his 60th birthday.
Offered here is a cancelled check from the hard-throwing right-hander, dated 11-18-1968, only two years after that final game. Cancelled Paige checks are a true rarity for the hobby and PSA's Price Guide lists signed checks as unknown ("UNK"). Paid to the order of "Leroy Paige" from the "Atlanta Braves, Inc." general account in the amount of $500. The Braves signed the now-61-year-old as an advisor in order to assist Paige in qualifying for MLB pension benefits. Satchel has endorsed the back "Leroy Paige" in blue ballpoint (8-9 strength) and cancellation stamps can be found on both front and back. Though Satchel Paige signed balls, index cards and cut signatures hit the market relatively often, signed checks are difficult to find and very rarely appear for auction making this one to own for any signed check collector!
MIN BID $500
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