1915 Zeenut PCL Claude "Lefty" Williams ("Black Sox")

Sold For:

$2,666

Year:

1915

Auction:

2012 Spring

Lot #:

376

Category:

Prewar Baseball - 1910s and 1920s Cards

Graded GOOD 30 by SGC. The SGC grade alone does not do this card justice: Aside from a small spot of glue residue on the reverse, this stunning card is in Excellent condition. Claude "Lefty" Williams was a promising young left-handed pitcher before being banned from baseball. He was an important contributor for the White Sox, winning twenty-three games in 1919. Gandil and Cicotte, who helped organize the "Black Sox," knew that they had to have more than one pitcher (Cicotte) in on their conspiracy and went after Williams. Williams enthusiastically obliged and went on to lose all three of his decisions in the Series. Due to his shortened career, Williams appears on very few cards. His 1915 Zeenut is his most desirable card and features him in the Pacific Coast League, ironically struggling to earn his way into the Major Leagues he would betray just several years later. This is Williams' rookie card. As noted, this key Zeenut and "Black Sox" rarity appears much nicer than suggested by its assigned grade, and in fact is the finest example we have ever offered. Bright and clean. This is a magnificent card. The spot of glue residue on the blank reverse is solely responsible for it not receiving a far higher grade; it is otherwise in outstanding Excellent condition. Reserve $1,000. Estimate $2,000+.
SOLD FOR $2,666