Description

Rookie card for Hall of Fame catcher, Roy Campanella. The PSA grade of 1.5 is likely due to a crease on the lower portion of the card that is difficult to see in the photos. This is the only recognized rookie card of the legendary Brooklyn Dodger catcher and a key to the set. In 1949, Roy Campanella played his first full season. After hitting .287 with 22 home runs, the Dodgers decided to make Campy a regular for years to come and he became a perennial All-Star (1949-1956). Campanella was also a three-time NL MVP (1951, 1953 and 1955) as he led the Dodgers to several pennants. His RBI total of 142 in 1953 remains the standard for catchers. Losing some of his playing career to time spent in the Negro Leagues, Campanella's career was further cut short by a horrible car accident that left him paralyzed in 1958. This card is a key rookie, along with cards of Richie Ashburn and Duke Snider, in the Bowman set. This card measures approximately 2-1/16" by 2½". Border toning, poor centering and lackluster color appear to be the leading condition obstacles with this card, a card that pictures one of the greatest backstops in history.