October Legends and Americana Ending November 14th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2015
Graded EX 5 by PSA. Hall of Famer, in his debut-year, “Rookie Card” appearance. This sought-after "background cartoon" entry from Bob Feller’s first year on gum cards draws additional attention as the condition-sensitive final card in its series. The Cleveland fireball entered the Majors in July of 1936 as a 17-year-old. He made his first start in August and struck out 15 batters. Later that year, he struck out 17 batters, a record at the time. This was all before he even graduated from high school! It is amazing and fortuitous that Goudey included the teenager in its 48-card, 1938 set. (Feller, of course, got better and better as the years went on, and it took a war to stop his momentum. The day after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, Feller enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he spent the next four years of his life accumulating campaign ribbons instead of strikeouts.) The offered card is an extremely worthy representative of one of its issue’s key subjects. This Feller specimen boasts vivid, nicely focused hues in its obverse presentation with bright red, soft blue and facial colors all projecting beautifully. The card’s centering is quite favorable and mild toning of the cardboard complements a pleasant, vintage aesthetic. Well-shaped, respectfully handled corners easily satisfy an observer’s expectations for the piece’s assigned grade. An elusive and very desirable 1930’s gum card, in praiseworthy Excellent condition.