1915 Zeenut PCL Swede Risberg ("Black Sox")

Sold For:

$1,880

Year:

1915

Auction:

2011 Spring

Lot #:

523

Category:

Prewar Baseball - 1910s and 1920s Cards

Graded POOR 10 by SGC. Swede Risberg helped destroy a team that might have rivaled the great Yankees of the 1920s. Barred for life for throwing the 1919 Series, he also fixed games in his rookie year and in 1920. Risberg's arrival allowed Buck Weaver to move back to third base, his natural position. Risberg despised his double-play partner, Eddie Collins, for his talent, character, education, air of superiority, and above all, salary. He preferred the tough Chick Gandil, who enlisted the young shortstop as his first lieutenant in the fix. Swede played in all eight games of the 1919 World Series. In twenty-five at bats, he had only two hits for a .080 batting average. In the field, Swede committed a total of four errors. During the ensuing trial, Joe Jackson requested protection after Risberg threatened to kill him if he dared talk. The offered 1915 Zeenut of Risberg is one of only five baseball cards ever produced of him. The card has several heavy creases. This is still a very presentable example of this extremely desirable and rarely offered card of a future Black Sox player from the 1915 Zeenut series. Reserve $500. Estimate $1,000+. SOLD FOR $1,880