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Graded NM 7 by PSA. Spectacular high-grade example of one of collecting's most significant postwar cards. Satchel Paige was already a legend of mythical proportions when he joined the Indians in 1948. When he appeared in this 1949 Bowman bubble-gum card set, he came to life for kids in playgrounds across America. This is a superb example of this historic and classic card. Bright and crisp, both front and back, with four strong corners. Striking image with outstanding registration and centering toward the top. The reverse is clean with boldly printed text. This is one of only three cards of Satchel Paige dating from his playing days (the others being 1948-1949 Leaf and 1953 Topps), and one of the great classics of all postwar cards. Along with Paige's 1948-1949 Leaf, this card also lays claim to being Paige's rookie card. 1949 Bowmans in general, let alone Paige, are rarely found in such high grade, primarily because they so often have naturally soft corners due to the paper stock on which they are printed. This is not only an important card in general, it is a rare high-number card in the 1949 Bowman series, and the key card in the set. It is interesting to note that the back of the card makes mention of his years of "traveling around the Negro Leagues" before being signed by the Indians, and that "his exact age is unknown." One of the key classics of all postwar baseball-card issues, this is a stunning high-grade example of one of only several cards of Satchel Paige issued during his playing days. Reserve $10.