October Legends
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/2/2013
Presented is another prime, newly graded example from this utterly beautiful and extremely rare set of cards. This unbelievable 1917-20 Felix Mendelsohn Rogers Hornsby SGC 20 FAIR 1.5 is one of only three professionally graded copies, with another listed on the SGC pop report at a SGC 80 EX/NM, while the third grades as SGC 10 POOR! This is the second highest known example of the M101-6 Rogers Hornsby. Any M101-6 cards are extremely rare, so rare that the checklist will likely never be fully completed. These Felix Mendelsohn cards measure approximately 4-3/8” x 6-1/2” and were distributed over a four year period. By if distributed over this time period, why are these cards so rare, and until recently, only barely known by most of the hobby brethren? We have a few ideas, one which centers on World War I – one of the most terrible events ever. Right before this issue was to be distributed, and right before the 1917 baseball season began, the United States declared war on Germany. Not exactly the best time for individuals to spend their hard earned (and now very scarce) dollars during wartime. Also, many of the persons capable of making the $5 purchase at the time were off to Europe to fight for our freedom. Whatever the reason, these cards are extremely rare, and this Hornsby is a beautiful image of the “Rajah” taken right at the beginning of his remarkable run of batting achievements. Beginning in 1920, Hornsby won six straight batting titles, highlighted by his three .400 seasons (in four years!). Hornsby also had the highest batting average for one season, when he hit .424 in 1924. No wonder Hornsby is widely considered the greatest second baseman of all time, and arguably the greatest right handed hitter in major league baseball history.
With Felix Mendelshon including all the great players from his day into this set, it was no surprise Hornsby was a member of this distinguished M101-6 club. The card is graded by SGC at 20 FAIR 1.5, including all corners with various levels of creases, the most severe being a 1-1/2” crease in the upper left corner and a two-inch cresae in the lower right hand corner. The reverse has the “HELP TO LESSEN THE BURDEN OF WAR” stamp affixed to the middle, and there is a very small area of discoloration. The image, however, is the key, and this Hornsby image is crisp and superbly focused, and one never seen on any other baseball card. The card easily exhibits better than its technical assigned grade, with none of the above factors disturbing the flawless image.
The M101-6 Felix Mendelsohns are so rare; the combined encapsulated examples from both third-party grading services total 91 examples. This is one of three Rogers Hornsby examples graded by SGC, with none coming through the doors of PSA. This is the second highest graded example, and the likelihood the best one will come to market anytime soon appears remote. It is one of the rarest cards ever produced for this great Hall of Famer. As with the M101-6 Jackson and Sisler cards in this auction, Goldin Auctions is proud to present another extreme rarity within the baseball card hobby.