Graded 96 MINT 9 by SGC. Hall of Famer, in his debut, "Rookie Card" appearance. This is the one of just two examples at its tier (with none graded higher) among a total of nearly 400 copies of this subject recorded in SGC's census reporting. Significantly, and reinforcing the exclusive character of this virtually pristine item, just three specimens have achieved even the lesser, SGC 92 grade level.

      Countless gallons of journalistic ink have been expended over the years in tribute to the Cardinals' revered "Stan the Man," and all of those accolades have been richly deserved. Stan Musial was a hero to an entire geographic region in the early days of his career, when the city of St. Louis harbored America's western-most Major League Baseball franchise. The three-time World Series Champion was essentially unexcelled as a star ballplayer, and he was equally beloved as a human being. Always humble and gracious to fans and opponents alike, Musial was also respected for a lifetime of loyalty to a single team. Among the many symbols of recognition bestowed upon Musial in later years were first-ballot induction to Cooperstown in 1969 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010.

      Stan Musial's image, on the sublime gum card offered here, seems at first glance to be that of a fresh-faced youth. But, at the time of this card's appearance, Musial was already a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, a two-time batting champion, and well on his way to accomplishing his third N.L. MVP award. It should be remembered, though, that the '48 issue stood as Bowman's first post-war effort, and the confectioner had some "catching up to do," in terms of acknowledging the game's superstars. The straightforward, black-and-white photo motif of this release charms the viewer with its simplicity, and the design set the stage for the addition of color in subsequent years.

     In its purest, like-new incarnation - as seen here - the inherent beauty of a perfectly preserved '48 Bowman card is readily visible. The offered example projects additional positive attributes in the form of highly favorable production: corners, centering, focus and print quality are all more ideally expressed in this Musial rookie card than is typically found, even in cards from later periods. It's of great good fortune to the hobby in general, and to serious Cardinals fans, in particular, that this centerpiece collectible features the great Stan Musial. A paragon Hall of Fame rookie card, in true Mint condition.

Auction Notepad